Biomechanical exploration of suryanamaskar for scientific application in low back pain

Suryanamaskar is a Yogic sequence of 12poses alternating between flexion-extension and synchronized with breathing, holding huge potential to improve spine joint motion, muscle strength and postural control.[1] Present study aimed to explore effect of Suryanamaskar intervention on spine pain, kinematics and disability score and core muscle strength (transversus abdominis and multifidus). Ten participants with chronic mechanical low back pain were recruited after Institutional ethics approval. Twelve-pose Suryanamaskar was captured with Vicon 3-D motion system along with physical evaluation of pain, core muscle strength and disability, pre and post 6-week Suryanamaskar intervention. Findings demonstrated 13% improvement in overall spinal extension and 15% improvement in overall spinal flexion. Pain intensity reduced by 50%, core muscle strength improved by 13% and 54% reduction in disability. Further improvement expected post 12-week intervention will inform clinicians of a simple, effective exercise tool for management of chronic mechanical low back pain.