Surya Namaskar: As an Alternative for Aerobic Fitness

CONTEXT: “Surya Namaskar” (SN) may be used as a need-based short-duration aerobic activity in a confined space to establish as a substitute of an equivalent routine physical training in challenging stressful conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Noninvasive oxygen-kinetics metabolic responses between SN and endurance work on bicycle ergometry (BE) were compared across different phases of maximal oxygen uptake percentage (%VO(2 max)). SN, comprising three complete rounds per min (36 beats/min of a metronome; SN consists of 12 poses per round), was performed rhythmically and continuously for 5 min to simulate an incremental BE test (25 watts/2 min at 60 rpm). RESULTS: SN results in a significant (P < 0.05) greater increase of arteriovenous oxygen difference at 71%–80% VO(2 max) while keeping a low respiratory exchange ratio (P < 0.01 and 0.001) at 41%–80% VO(2 max) exercising state. CONCLUSIONS: SN could be an ideal form of aerobic exercise instead of BE.