Anthropometric and physiologic profiles of female professional yoga practitioners and energy expenditure during asanas execution

Aim. The present study aimed to: 1) define the anthropometric and physiological profiles of female professional yoga practitioner compared to that of other athletes; 2) evaluate the energy expenditure (EE) during a yoga session. Methods. The percentage fat mass (FM%) and fat free mass (FFM%), the maximal aerobic power (VO2max), the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of knee extensor muscles and the maximal anaerobic alactacid power (W-max) were assessed in a group of yoga practitioners (Yo), long distance runners (LDR), sprinters (Spr), karate practitioners (Ka) and sedentary control subjects (Con). EE was evaluated in Yo during a yoga session (execution of a sequence of six yoga postures, called asanas). Results. FM% was significantly higher in Con (24.2 +/- 2.6%) than in other groups (18 +/- 1.9%, pooled data, P<0.05). FFM% did not differ among groups. VO2max was higher in LDR (55.6 +/- 1.8 mL min(-1) kg(-1)) compared to other groups (41.7 +/- 3 mL min(-1) kg(-1), pooled data, P<0.05). MVC and W-max were higher in Yo, Spr and Ka than in LDR and Con (P<0.05). In Yo, EE increased in comparison to baseline, during Sirasana execution only (+59%, P<0.05). Conclusion. These data suggest that chronic yoga practice is associated with 1) values of FM%, FFM%, MVC and W-max similar to those induced by sports requiring high degree of force and power of lower limb muscles, with maximal aerobic performance similar to control subjects; 2) low EE during most asanas execution.