Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
07:56
Resting-State Connectivity and Neuroimaging of Prefrontal Cortex Activity During a Block-Design Yoga Asana Practice Using fNIRS
Published on: June 24, 2025
A comparative study of slow and fast suryanamaskar on physiological function
Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani1, Kaviraja Udupa, Madanmohan
1Programme Co-ordinator, Advanced Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education, and Research (ACYTER), JIPMER, Pondicherry, India.
International Journal of Yoga
|October 25, 2011
Summary
This study found that both slow and fast Suryanamaskar (SN) offer physiological benefits. Fast SN training enhanced hand grip endurance and respiratory pressures more than slow SN, suggesting it mimics aerobic exercise effects.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Exercise Science
- Yoga Studies
Background:
- Yoga training is linked to physiological benefits.
- Suryanamaskar (SN) is a common yoga practice.
- The differential effects of slow vs. fast SN are understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distinct physiological outcomes of 6-month slow Suryanamaskar (SSN) versus fast Suryanamaskar (FSN) training in adolescents.
- To compare the effects of SSN and FSN on cardiovascular, respiratory, and strength parameters.
Main Methods:
- 42 adolescents (12-16 years) were randomized into two groups.
- Group I trained in SSN; Group II trained in FSN for 6 months.
- Measurements included blood pressure, hand grip strength/endurance, pulmonary function, and respiratory pressures.
Main Results:
- SSN significantly decreased diastolic pressure; FSN significantly increased systolic pressure.
- Both groups showed increased hand grip strength and endurance, with FSN yielding greater endurance gains.
- Pulmonary function and respiratory pressures improved in both groups, with FSN showing more significant increases in maximal inspiratory pressure.
Conclusions:
- Suryanamaskar training provides physiological benefits, including improved pulmonary function, respiratory pressures, hand grip strength, and endurance.
- Fast Suryanamaskar (FSN) effects align with physical aerobic exercise.
- Slow Suryanamaskar (SSN) effects are comparable to traditional yoga training.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Exercise significantly impacts cardiovascular response, which is crucial for understanding patient health and designing effective treatment plans.
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
Exercise induces a range of adaptations in muscle tissue, depending on the type and duration of activity. Such physical training can be broadly categorized into two types: endurance exercises and resistance exercises.
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
01:26Exercise Stress Test
Introduction
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
01:29Pathophysiology of Cardiac Performance
Typical heart performance is influenced by heart rate, rhythm, myocardial contraction, and metabolism or blood flow. The cardiac muscle exhibits distinct electrophysiological features, including pacemaker activity and calcium channel control, which play a vital role in the heart's response to various drugs. The autonomic nervous system, comprising the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches, regulates heart rate. Sympathetic activation increases heart rate, while parasympathetic activation...
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health, with aerobic exercises being particularly effective. According to the American Heart Association, 150 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic exercise per week is recommended for a healthy heart. Aerobic activities may include brisk walking, running, bicycling, cross-country skiing, and swimming, ideally performed three to five times per week.
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
01:48Classification of Skeletal Muscle Fibers
Skeletal muscles continuously produce ATP to provide the energy that enables muscle contractions. Skeletal muscle fibers can be categorized into three types based on differences in their contraction speed and how they produce ATP, as well as physical differences related to these factors. Most human muscles contain all three muscle fiber types, albeit in varying proportions.
Slow-Twitch Muscle Fibers
Slow oxidative, muscle fibers appear red due to large numbers of capillaries and high levels of...
Slow-Twitch Muscle Fibers
Slow oxidative, muscle fibers appear red due to large numbers of capillaries and high levels of...