Sportorthopädie

Abstract

Introduction: Distinctive spinal mobility is of significant relevance for our health. Though a few indicators for the long-term impacts of dynamic yoga forms on spinal mobility have been ascertained, they do not allow for generally valid deductions for practice. In the context of the present study,we have examined non-invasive means the extent, to which dynamic yoga forms exhibit amechanism of actionthat increases the movement amplitude of the spine.Method: The investigation was designed as a longitudinal comparative study for a period of 10 weeks (n=50). The intervention group (n=30) took partin aten unit of a yoga-health sports course, while the control group (n=20) participated in no specific health sports programs during the investigation period, but was as physically active as the intervention group. The change in spinal mobility was measured in the pre-post design with the help of Medimouse.Results: The intervention group achieved a significant change in spinal mobility after ten yoga units. Nostatistically relevant change could be observed in the control group. The improvements referred to the whole movement magnitude as well as to the mobility of the thoracic spine.Discussion: The ascertained effects confirm the present assumptions of the effects of yoga on mobility. The results in the intervention group showed asignificant improvement of the entire backbone as well as the area of the thoracic spine. It is to consider that women are over-represented in the intervention group.KEY WORDS: Spine, Mobility, Yoga, Medimouse, Health Promotion Activities