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Virginia Tech

Effects of Yoga on Low Back Stability, Strength and Endurance

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

AIMS: To investigate the effects of Yoga on improving low back stability (threshold of stability, and mean total velocity of center of pressure), trunk strength (isometric strength in extension and flexion), and back endurance (isometric endurance in extension, flexion, and side laterals). METHODS: A pretest posttest control group experimental design was used. Sixteen participants, 10 females and 6 males, without a history of low back pain, and no prior experience of Yoga, were recruited. Yoga participants were recruited following registration in a yoga class; the control subjects were selected and recruited selectively in order to match the stature and body mass of the Yoga participant pool. Performance was measured prior to the beginning of Yoga exercises and 7 weeks later for both the groups. RESULTS: Contrary to the control group, the Yoga group significantly improved in terms of low back stability (decrease in threshold of stability by ~19%) and sway parameters (decrease in mean total velocity of COP by ~17%). CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of this study illustrate the potential of Yoga as a low-impact exercise regime for improving low back stability via neuromuscular control and proprioception. There was no significant difference in trunk strength and endurance when comparing the two groups; therefore, the Yoga exercise was equally effective as the regular exercises.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Science
Level thesis:degree_level
masters
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Industrial and Systems Engineering
Department dc:contributor.department
Industrial and Systems Engineering
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
2011

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Mistry, Anuj D.
Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
  • Agnew, Michael J.
Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
  • Lockhart, Thurmon E.
  • Nussbaum, Maury A.

Subjects

dc:subject × 8

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
etd-12052011-113028
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/35979

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Mistry, Anuj D.. Effects of Yoga on Low Back Stability, Strength and Endurance. masters thesis, Virginia Tech, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/35979