DETERMINATION OF THE ACTIVITY OF REFLEXOGENIC ZONES OF THE BODY DURING THE PERFORMANCE OF STATIC EXERCISE OF HATHA YOGA (DHANURASANA)

By measuring the electrical conductivity of different meridians of the human body data can be obtained to demonstrate the meridian energies. Such non-invasive methods are used to stimulate acupuncture points on the meridians. There is a need to confirm the effectiveness of mechanisms of acupuncture for the human body using scientific methods. Measuring the electrical conductivity of different meridians provides indicators for interpretation. The aim of our study is to establish the possibility of using the method of studying the effect of exercise on the body by means of acupuncture diagnostics according to J.Nakatani’s method on the example of static exercise, which is performed similarly to Dhanurasana (outside the bow in Hatha Yoga). Ten female students were examined. Measurements were taken before the exercise, during and after the exercise after 6 minutes. The results of the research showed significant changes in the indicators of electrical activity in the representative points of the meridians of the body. An increase in electrical activity in the meridians of the human body, which are responsible for the functions of the respiratory, cardiovascular systems, kidneys and adrenal glands, gallbladder, small and large intestines, spleen, pancreas, liver and bladder, and its decrease in the meridian of the stomach. The method of acupuncture diagnostics chosen allows determining the electrical activity of the meridians of the human body during static exercise. It is possible to offer use of this technique of research of influence of physical exercises on a human body along with other generally accepted scientific methods.

The Effect of Eight Weeks of Iyengar Yoga With an Emphasis on Spine and Shoulder Exercises on the Upper Cross Syndrome in Middle-aged Women

Introduction: Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) is a combination of forward head, rounded shoulder, and hyperkyphosis deformities. Yoga is a non-competitive physical exercise with the potential to correct postural imbalances in the human body. Iyengar yoga is a form of Hatha yoga. Materials and Methods: The purpose of present study was to evaluate the effect of Iyengar yoga with an emphasis on spine and shoulder exercises on the UCS in middle-aged women. In this quasi-experimental applied research, 15 subjects were purposefully recruited out of middle- aged women affected with UCS. The participants performed Iyengar yoga exercises with an emphasis on the spine and shoulder. The photogrammetry method was used to measure UCS. Results: At the end of 8 weeks exercises, there was a significant increase in the cervical (P<0.001) and shoulder angles (P<0.005), and a significant decrease in thoracic flexion angle (P<0.001). Conclusion: All relevant coaches and therapists are recommended considering Iyengar yoga as an alternative for training programs in middle-aged women affected by UCS.

Is Weekly Frequency of Yoga Practice Sufficient? Physiological Effects of Hatha Yoga Among Healthy Novice Women

Beneficial physical and physiological health outcomes of yoga practice are well-supported by empirical data. However, whether weekly frequency of training is sufficient to evoke positive changes, is still an open question. The present intervention study investigated the effects of 10 weekly sessions of beginner level hatha yoga with respect to indicators of physical fitness and physiological markers. 82 young women (mean age of 22.0 ± 3.83 years) participated in the study. The yoga group (N = 49) attended a yoga course consisting of 10 sessions (1.5 h each) on a weekly basis. The control group (N = 33) did not receive any intervention. BMI, body fat percentage, balance (one-leg-stand test with open and closed eyes, functional reach test), flexibility (side bend test, modified sit and reach test) core muscle strength (plank test) as well as resting heart rate (HR), and heart rate variability (HRV) were assessed 1 week before and after the course. Both frequentist and Bayesian analysis showed an improvement in flexibility and balance in the yoga group compared to the control group. The yoga group showed also increased core muscle strength. No changes with respect to BMI, body fat percentage, resting HR and HRV were found. Ninety minute beginner level hatha yoga classes were characterized by 93.39 HR and 195 kcal energy consumption on average. The present findings suggest that weekly setting of a 10-session long hatha yoga training leads to improvements in balance, flexibility and core muscle strength among healthy young women. However, for changes in BMI, body fat percentage, resting HR and HRV longer, and/or more intense interventions are needed.