Exploration of Muscle Activity Using Surface Electromyography While Performing Surya Namaskar.

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology
• Musculoskeletal Health
• Yoga and Rehabilitation

Background:

• Limited understanding of muscular demands in composite yogasanas like Surya Namaskar.
• Essential to guide therapeutic use for musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., back and knee pain).

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore muscle activation patterns in trunk and lower extremity muscles during the 12-pose Surya Namaskar sequence.
• Identify prime movers and their activation levels during the yoga practice.

Main Methods:

• Surface electromyography (sEMG) recorded muscle activity in 8 healthy yoga practitioners.
• Data normalized against maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) for quantitative analysis.
• Wireless sEMG system used at 2000 Hz sampling rate.

Main Results:

• Surya Namaskar activates trunk and extremity muscles to varying degrees across poses.
• Erector spinae and lower trapezius showed high activation during Hastapadasana.
• Gluteus maximus and vastus lateralis were activated during Ashwa Sanchalanasana; latissimus dorsi during specific poses.
• Muscle activation was greater during pose transitions than during pose sustenance.

Conclusions:

• Surya Namaskar elicits moderate-to-high activation of major postural muscles.
• Supports its use in preventing and managing mechanical low back pain.
• Beneficial for vulnerable populations due to its spinal flexion-extension movements.