Anthropometric and physiologic profiles of female professional yoga practitioners and energy expenditure during asanas execution

The present study aimed to: 1) define the anthropometric and physiological profiles of female professional yoga practitioner compared to that of other athletes; 2) evaluate the energy expenditure (EE) during a yoga session.

The percentage fat mass (FM%) and fat free mass (FFM%), the maximal aerobic power (VO2max), the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of knee extensor muscles and the maximal anaerobic alactacid power (Wmax) were assessed in a group of yoga practitioners (Yo), long distance runners (LDR), sprinters (Spr), karate practitioners (Ka) and sedentary control subjects (Con). EE was evaluated in Yo during a yoga session (execution of a sequence of six yoga postures, called asanas).

FM% was significantly higher in Con (24.2±2.6%) than in other groups (18±1.9%, pooled data, P<0.05). FFM% did not differ among groups. VO2max was higher in LDR (55.6±1.8 mL min-1 kg-1) compared to other groups (41.7±3 mL min-1 kg-1, pooled data, P<0.05). MVC and Wmax were higher in Yo, Spr and Ka than in LDR and Con (P<0.05). In Yo, EE increased in comparison to baseline, during Sirasana execution only (+59%, P<0.05).

These data suggest that chronic yoga practice is associated with 1) values of FM%, FFM%, MVC and Wmax similar to those induced by sports requiring high degree of force and power of lower limb muscles, with maximal aerobic performance similar to control subjects; 2) low EE during most asanas execution.