The Effect of a Six-Week Course of Surya Namaskar Practice on Back Flexibility and Lumbar Flexion in Male College Students

Study purpose. The strenuous Surya Namaskar exercise programme has gained considerable popularity among contemporary yoga practitioners. Its special combination of yogic breathing techniques, asanas (postures) and dharana (focused mind concentration) helps to improve flexibility. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of an original six-week course of Surya Namaskar on back flexibility and lumbar flexion in male college students. Materials and methods. Thirty male college students aged between eighteen and twenty years were randomly assigned to treatment group (Surya Namaskar practice) (n=15) and control group (n=15). The treatment group performed Surya Namaskar practice for six weeks, while the control group did not participate in any treatment other than their regular activities for six weeks. Back flexibility and lumbar flexion of the subjects were assessed at the baseline and after six weeks. Results. Back flexibility and lumbar flexion increased in the treatment group after six weeks of Surya Namaskar practice. Conclusions. The current Surya Namaskar procedure contributes to the kinanthropometric well-being of male college students in terms of back flexibility and lumbar flexion. Surya Namaskar should be included in school and college curriculum because of its numerous physical and physiological benefits.