A Study on Influence of Yoga Practice on Segmental Trunk Control Using 3D Kinematic Evaluation Method

Segmental trunk control is indispensable to achieve upright posture, attenuate movement-related oscillations, and maintain postural stability during activities of daily living including walking. Yet, its role in postural control is incompletely understood because it is seldom measured. Yoga is known to improve postural control in the elderly and people with various neuromuscular disorders; however, its influence on segmental trunk control is unexplored. The present study reports the influence of yoga on segmental trunk control in trained yoga practitioners using 3D kinematic evaluation.

Ten yoga practitioners, practicing advanced yoga (>5 years), and 10 age-matched healthy adults were studied after ethical approval and informed consent. Segmental trunk control was described as motion of the trunk with respect to the pelvis, which was computed as the difference between displacement of sternum and pelvic marker in the sagittal and frontal planes.

Yoga practitioners demonstrated less variability in the displacement of sternum, pelvis, and ankle markers and greater segmental trunk control compared to controls (p < 0.001). Segmental trunk movement of yoga practitioners was 50% lower in the frontal plane (p < 0.001). Preliminary findings suggest that regular mind-body exercise in the form of yoga practice holds therapeutic potential to achieve greater segmental trunk control, which is essential to attenuate perturbations and negotiate challenges to develop postural stability.

Regular yoga practice demonstrated a positive influence on segmental trunk control and total body sway resulting in enhanced postural control. Therefore, yoga practice can be recommended to achieve greater trunk segmental control in patients with impaired ability to dissociate trunk over pelvis such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, cerebral palsy, and balance disorders including vestibular and neuro-musculoskeletal disorders.