The role of objective movement analysis in the control of yoga asanas. A case study.

INTRODUCTION: Yoga is classified as a form of complementary and alternative medicine. It can be used in many disciplines including: physiotherapy, medicine and sport. The objective of the study was to identify possible biomechanical problems during yoga practice, to minimize the risk of injury.

CASE PRESENTATION: Objective evaluation of the symmetry of asanas, balance, stability and muscle tension was provided in case of a 37-year-old woman, practicing mainly aerial and Hatha yoga for 6 years. The bigger body tilt and deviations in Center of Pressure parameters were observed in tadasana during forward examinations. In tadasana, the highest muscle activity was observed in the rectus femoris. In the case of forward tadasana observation, the highest activity was found in the gastrocnemius and in the lumbar portion of the erector spinae. During backward tadasana trial, the most active were tibialis anterior and rectus femoris muscles. In garudasana and natarajasana, the symmetry of the trunk position in relation to the lower limbs was observed regardless of the supporting limb. In the same way, Center of Pressure parameters in garudasana were similar regardless of the supporting limb. However, in natarajasana the higher COP displacement parameters were observed in the case of the non-dominant supporting limb. As for the electromyographic evaluation of garudasana and natarajasana, the highest muscle activity was observed in the lumbar portion of the erector spinae. In chakrasana, a slightly greater angle of the hip extension was observed in the left hip. A higher muscle activity in chakrasana was observed in the lumbar portion of the right erector spinae. In sirsasana, no significant displacements of the cervical spine were observed but a higher activity of the left sternocleidomastoid muscle was found.

CONCLUSION: With the use of objective movement analysis possible biomechanical problems were identified. Attention should be paid to the normalization of the tension in the lumbar part of the right erector spinae and the right sternocleidomastoid muscle, as well as to the balance training in positions on non-dominant lower limb. Objective movement analysis can be a useful tool for instructors or physiotherapists to adjust yoga programs and to correct asanas in order to avoid future injuries.