Abstract

EFFECTIVENESS OF SURYANAMASKAR V/S TREADMILL TRAINING ON FITNESS IN OVERWEIGHT AND OBESE WOMEN

Dr. Aishwarya S. More*, Dr. Manisha A. Rathi, Dr. Shilpa Khandare, Dr. Preeti Gazbare, Dr. Reema Joshi and Dr. Tushar Palekar

Abstract

Background of the study: Prevalence of Obesity has increased in the past years, which has led to many co-morbidities There are many preventive measures as well as treatment methods to avoid or cure these complications. It is proved that Suryanamaskar gives beneficial effect on weight management as well as improving physical fitness. It is also stated in literature that Treadmill Training reduces weight and improves fitness. Hence the objective of the study was to find out whether Suryanamaskar or Treadmill Training is a reliable approach towards physical fitness. Methodology: In this comparative experimental study design, 35 overweight and obese women were selected. Exercise training was monitored and participants were instructed to do the exercises for 5 days/week for 6 weeks inside the campus. Body compositions like Weight, BMI and Circumferences, Muscle Endurance and Cardio Respiratory Fitness were measured before and after the exercise protocol. Result: The study showed Suryanamaskar to be more effective than Treadmill Training in weight management and overall physical fitness. Mean Circumferences specifically around the Forearm, Hip and Thigh in the Suryanamaskar group were reduced significantly (1.37 ± 0.5), (3.34 ± 1.72) and (2.31 ± 0.6) respectively, than the Treadmill group (0.96 ± 0.71), (1.84 ± 1.17) and (1.75 ± 1.1). Mean Muscle Endurance was also improved significantly, (4.5 ± 1.2) in Suryanamaskar group than (2.7 ± 1.2) in Treadmill group, as P < 0.01. Weight, BMI and Cardio Respiratory Fitness showed significant improvement in Suryanamaskar group more than Treadmill group in 6 weeks. Conclusion: Suryanamaskar, being a holistic approach, proved to be more beneficial than Treadmill Training. As it is cost effective and flexible in timings and venue, it can be easily practiced in community.

Keywords: Overweight, Obesity, Weight, BMI, Circumferences, Muscle Endurance, Cardio Respiratory Fitness (CRF), Suryanamaskar (SN), Treadmill (TM).