Goering, ArneArneGoeringMoellenbeck, D.D.MoellenbeckSchwarz, GuenterGuenterSchwarz2018-11-072018-11-072013https://resolver.sub.uni-goettingen.de/purl?gro-2/31066Objective: Dynamic yoga styles like Ashtanga-Yoga are assumed to have - apart from positive psychophysical health benefits a positive effect on spinal flexibility. The relevant studies reviewed on this topic shared limitations concerning inconsistent measurements of spinal flexibility. Furthermore, only few studies have focused on dynamic yoga styles. Using a non-invasive instrument we assessed the impact of a dynamic yoga-lesson on spinal flexibility comparing it with other health-related kinds of training like strength and machine cardio training. Method: A randomised study (pre-post design) with one intervention yoga group (n = 20), one control group cardio training (n = 21) and a second control group strength-training with machines (n = 21) was conducted. Results: A significant improvement of the spinal flexibility caused by a dynamic yoga session could be found. Mere was only a small impact of the cardio exercises on spinal flexibility and no effect of the strength training. Age, weight or sex did not have any influence on the results. Conclusion: The positive health benefits of dynamic yoga on spinal flexibility confirm earlier studies on this topic. However, there are limitations to our findings as the study was restricted to one single yoga lesson. Therefore, further studies should focus on dynamic yoga's long-term effects in order to evaluate its relevance for health promotion measures.journal_article10.5960/dzsm.2012.080000325587600005