The Effect of a Hatha Yoga Exercise Programme with Segmental Stabilisation Exercises on Trunk Flexibility

Area of Science:

• Kinesiology
• Rehabilitation Science
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Trunk flexibility, encompassing muscle extensibility and spinal mobility, is crucial for spinal and pelvic stability.
• Adequate flexibility complements trunk muscle endurance for overall spine health.
• Limited trunk flexibility can be a risk factor for musculoskeletal issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a 12-week preventive exercise program on trunk flexibility.
• To assess changes in trunk muscle extensibility and thoracolumbar spine mobility.
• To compare the effects of a hatha yoga and segmental stabilization program against a control group.

Main Methods:

• A 12-week intervention study involving healthy adults without lower back pain or injury.
• Participants were divided into an exercise group (hatha yoga with segmental stabilization) and a control group.
• Measurements of trunk muscle extensibility and thoracolumbar spine mobility were taken before and after the intervention.

Main Results:

• The exercise group showed significant improvements in iliopsoas muscle extensibility (p≤0.001) and V-Sit and Reach Test performance (p=0.001).
• Significant enhancements in thoracolumbar spine mobility, including flexion, left lateral flexion, and right rotation, were observed (p<0.05).
• The exercise group outperformed the control group in four out of five extensibility tests and key spinal mobility measures.

Conclusions:

• The hatha yoga and segmental stabilization exercise program effectively enhances trunk flexibility.
• The findings support the use of this exercise program as a preventive measure for spinal health.
• Further research with larger cohorts is recommended to explore long-term effects.