RESUMO
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate effects of regular practice of sun salutation on muscle strength, general body endurance and body composition. Subjects [49 male and 30 female] performed 24 cycles of sun salutation, 6 days a week for 24 weeks. Upper body muscle strength was determined by 1 repetition maximum [1RM] for bench press and shoulder press technique. Back and leg dynamometry was used to assess strength of back and leg muscles. General body endurance was evaluated by push-up and sit-up tests. Body composition was assessed by noting% body fat by using bioelectric impedance analysis. Perceived intensity of exercise by subjects was noted by Borg scale. Muscle strength by bench press showed significant increase in male [29.49 +/- 9.70 to 36.12 +/- 9.09 Kg, P<0.001] and female [10.5 +/- 4.42 to 13.16|/-4.44 Kg, P<0.001] subjects. Strength by shoulder press also increased [males; 22.96 +/- 9.57 Kg to 26.53 +/- 11.05 Kg, P<0.001, females; 6.83 +/- 2.78 to 8.83 +/- 3.87, P<0.001]. Endurance by push-ups and sit-ups showed similar findings in male [19.0 +/- 9.58 to 21.98 +/- 8.98, P<0.001 and 24.92 +/- 10.41 to 29.84 +/- 12.64, P<0.001 respectively] and female [14.66 +/- 6.80 to 18.56 +/- 6.97 and 13.16 +/- 7.75 to 19.23 +/- 8.25, P<0.001 respectively] subjects. A significant decrease in body fat percent was observed only in female [27.68 +/- 5.46 to 25.76 +/- 4.72, P<0.001] but not in male subjects. BMI significantly decreased in both the groups [z=4.37, P<001 and t=5.41, P<0.00l respectively]. From our observations we conclude that sun salutation can be an ideal exercise to keep oneself in optimum level of fitness