Energy Expenditure During Viparatakarani - A Yogic Inverted Posture

A dissertation Submitted by Venkata Ramana G.
M Sc. Student, SVYASA, Bangalore.

Abstract: As yoga gets popular, precise measurement of metabolic changes in different yoga postures is being taken up by researchers. Energy expenditure during different types of asanas is available in literature. Studies on energy expenditure during the practice of inverted postures are sparse.

Summary & Conclusion: During the practice of VK the VO2 and EE increased by 84%, 86% followed by 7%, 8% reduction in post phase respectively. The control session of supine rest showed continuous reduction. RR & HR increased significantly during VK & not in SR. Changes were more prominent in females than males. It can be concluded that yogasanas though practiced with relaxation, may increase muscular effort. Therefore these yogic postures can be used as an aerobic exercises followed by deep rest.