Heart rate and thermal responses to power yoga. (August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schubert, Matthew M.; Clark, Amy S.; De La Rosa, Annie B.; Newcomer, Sean C.
• Is Part Of: Complementary therapies in clinical practice. Volume 32(2018)
• Page Start: 195
• Page End: 199
• Publication Date: 2018-08
• Subjects: Yoga -- Heart rate -- Intensity -- Exercise prescription; Integrative medicine -- Periodicals; Integrative medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; Alternative medicine -- Periodicals; 615.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.07.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-3881

Abstract

Abstract: Background: and Purpose: Yoga has grown in popularity and may offer a viable alternative form of physical activity. The purpose of this study was to examine heart rate, hydration, and thermal responses to a power yoga sequence. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven men and women (n = 4/23; Mean ± SD age = 23.3 ± 3.3 years; BMI = 23 ± 3 kg m −2 ) underwent ∼45 min of power yoga. Heart rate and skin temperature were recorded. Mass was measured before and after exercise to estimate fluid loss. Time spent in light, moderate, and vigorous heart rate zones was calculated. Results: Heart rate and skin temperature increased ( p < 0.0001). Participants spent more time in moderate and vigorous heart rate zones than in light intensity ( p < 0.0001). There was a reduction in body mass (−0.28 ± 0.13 kg, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Power yoga may be considered moderate-vigorous intensity exercise, based on heart-rate. Highlights: Yoga is a growing health trend performed by over 30 million people per year. Whether yoga is intense enough to cause adaptations similar to moderate-vigorous intensity exercise is unclear. We examined heart rate and thermal responses to power yoga in college students. Participants spent 78% of a 45 min class in moderate-vigorous intensity heart rate zones. Our results indicate that power yoga can be considered moderate-vigorous exercise in line with existing exercise guidelines.