Investigating Fatigue-Induced Balance Impairment in Yoga Athletes Compared to Control Group

Yoga is one of the few activities that directly strengthens muscles involved in balance and coordination. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to analyze how postural stability differs between female yoga athletes and a control group for single-leg dynamic movements by exacerbating balance parameters between participant groups using a fatigue protocol. METHODS: After a brief warm up, eight female participants performed a modified Wingate test procedure on the stationary ergometer to simulate fatigue, followed by a transition pose to Warrior III for 10 seconds. A modified enhanced Helen Hayes marker set consisting of 32-retroreflective markers was placed on the participant to track lower body kinematics up to the hip. A 12-camera motion analysis system and force plates were used to collect data during the yoga pose. RESULTS: Of the dependent variables, dominant leg ankle angle, hip moment, GRF, and gastrocnemius activation showed a significant difference (p < 0.05). Yoga participants showed less deviation in ankle angle, lower GRF, and larger gastrocnemius muscle activation, reflecting controlled stability. In addition, a larger hip moment was observed, suggesting the desired Warrior III form was achieved. CONCLUSION: Postural stability was higher in yoga athletes than the control group after performing a fatigue protocol. Postural control in the yoga athletes can be characterized as higher muscle activation in the lower limb, less ankle angle variation, and increased hip moment compared to the control group.