Differences in energy expenditure during high-speed versus standard-speed yoga: A randomized sequence crossover trial

Objectives: To compare energy expenditure and volume of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production during a high-speed yoga and a standard-speed yoga program.

Design: Randomized repeated measures controlled trial.

Setting: A laboratory of neuromuscular research and active aging.

Interventions: Sun-Salutation B was performed, for eight minutes, at a high speed versus and a standard-speed separately while oxygen consumption was recorded. Caloric expenditure was calculated using volume of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production.

Main outcome measures: Difference in energy expenditure (kcal) of HSY and SSY.

Results: Significant differences were observed in energy expenditure between yoga speeds with high-speed yoga producing significantly higher energy expenditure than standard-speed yoga (MD=18.55, SE=1.86, p<0.01). Significant differences were also seen between high-speed and standard-speed yoga for volume of oxygen consumed and carbon dioxide produced.

Conclusions: High-speed yoga results in a significantly greater caloric expenditure than standard-speed yoga. High-speed yoga may be an effective alternative program for those targeting cardiometabolic markers.