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.