Effect of fast Surya Namaskar versus aerobic dance on cardiorespiratory fitness in children aged 10-13 years at the end of 4 weeks: a comparative study

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic, due to stay-at-home orders and the closure of recreational facilities, led to a significant reduction in physical activity (PA). Prior to the pandemic, individuals engaged in an average of 540 minutes per week of PA, which dropped to 105 minutes per week during the pandemic, marking a decrease of 435 minutes. Concurrently, the prevalence of physically inactive students rose from 21.3% to 65.6%, and screen time increased by approximately 30 hours per week on average.^1,2

PA is critical for cardiovascular health, and its reduction can lead to negative health outcomes, including increased risk of metabolic diseases and obesity. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), measured by VO₂max, is a key indicator of health, and a decline in physical activity during the pandemic has been linked to a decrease in VO₂max. Prior to COVID-19, average VO₂max was 46.2 ml/kg/minute, while post-pandemic it was 45.7 ml/kg/minute, reflecting a small but notable decline.^3-18

Surya namaskar (sun salutation) and aerobic exercise are beneficial alternatives to maintain fitness. Surya namaskar, performed at varying paces (slow, medium, or fast), offers benefits ranging from improved flexibility to enhanced cardiovascular health. Aerobic exercises like these improve VO₂max and CRF, which can positively impact heart health and metabolic function.^7,8,11,19-21

Maintaining regular physical activity is essential for combating the adverse effects of sedentary behaviour and reducing the risk of noncommunicable diseases. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, engaging in exercise helps boost the immune system and improve overall health.^1,6,17

Need of study

During the pandemic situation the aerobic capacity has been affected due to reduction in level of physical activity and more sedentary behaviour. PA reduce, from 540 minute/week (before the pandemic) to 105 minute/week (during the pandemic), yielding 435 min decrease on average. During pandemic physical inactive has increased from 21.3% to 65.6%. Screening time has increased approximately 30 hours per weeks.⁴

Fast Surya namaskar and aerobic dance are the different modes of aerobic exercise shown to improve cardiorespiratory fitness. As fast Surya namaskar and aerobic dance is done in high intensity and it help to improve aerobic capacity.

Also, both can be done as an indoor form of exercise.

So, the present study focuses to compare the effect of fast Surya namaskar versus aerobic dance on cardiorespiratory fitness in children.

Aim

To study the effect of fast Surya namaskar versus aerobic dance on cardiorespiratory fitness in children aged 10-13 years at the end of 4 weeks.

Objectives

To study the effect of fast Surya namaskar on cardiorespiratory fitness in children aged 10-13 years at the end of 4 weeks.

To study the effect of aerobic dance on cardiorespiratory fitness in children aged 10-13 years at the end of 4 weeks.

To compare the effect of fast Surya namaskar versus aerobic dance on cardiorespiratory fitness in children aged 10-13 years at the end of 4 weeks.

METHODS

This study was designed as a comparative study using a two-group pre-test and post-test design to assess and compare the effects of fast Surya namaskar and aerobic dance on cardiorespiratory fitness in children. The study population consisted of healthy school children aged 10 to 13 years, selected from various schools in and around Pune city.

A total of 138 participants were initially enrolled, out of which 120 children successfully completed the entire study protocol. The sample size was determined based on a pilot study conducted prior to the main research, considering a 95% confidence level and 80% statistical power to ensure adequate representation of the population.

The sampling technique used in this study was simple random sampling, providing each eligible participant an equal opportunity to be included. The study was conducted over a period of one year, from March 2024 to March 2025.

The research was carried out in schools located in and around Pune, in collaboration with the PES Modern College of Physiotherapy, Pune, Maharashtra, India, which served as the coordinating institution and data analysis center.

Inclusion criteria

Children aged 10 to 13 years, of both genders, with a BMI of 15.89±0.42, and those who were healthy and willing to participate, were included in the study.

Exclusion criteria

Children were excluded if they had musculoskeletal, neurological, pulmonary, or cardiovascular impairments, or a history of major surgery in the recent past.

Procedure

Presentation was done in front of ethical committee. Subjects were selected according to the inclusion criteria from the schools in and around the city. Accent and consent were taken from the participants. The subjects were divided into 2 groups by simple random sampling pretest measurement, intervention and posttest measurement was done data was collected and analysed. The intervention was given for 3 days (alternate) for 4 weeks. Group A and group B both the groups got intervention for 3 days (alternate) for 4 weeks pre and post assessment of VO₂max and BMI.

Data analysis

The present study aimed at finding the effect of Fast Surya namaskar versus aerobic dance on cardiorespiratory fitness in children aged 10-13 years at the end of 4 weeks protocol. Total 120 subjects participated in the study various statistical measures such as mean, standard deviation (SD) and test significance were utilized to analyse the data. 95% confidence interval was taken into consideration. The results were concluded to be statistically significant if, p value was 0.05. Data was analysed using unpaired t test for inter group analysis and by using paired t-test for intra group analysis.

RESULTS

In this study total 120 subjects, children with mean age of group A 12.4 and group B 11.983. The subjects were healthy children, with the mean value of BMI 16.005, 16.01. Each participant has undergone fast Surya namaskar and aerobic dance training for 4 weeks.

There was significant difference (p<0.0001) in pre (16.005±0.1986) and post (15.411±0.2298) mean BMI score within group A. Thus, fast Surya namaskar protocol is effective in weight loss at the end of 4weeks.

There was significant difference (p<0.0001) in pre (38.64±3.099) and post (40.596±3.792) mean VO₂max score within group A (FSN). Thus, fast Surya namaskar protocol is effective in improving the VO₂max at the end of 4 weeks.

There was significant difference (p<0.0001) in pre (16.01±0.2938) and post (15.376±0.1740) mean BMI score within group B (AD). Thus, aerobic dance protocol is effective in weight loss at the end of 4 weeks.

There was significant difference (p<0.0001) in pre (38.822±3.055) and post (41.22±3.189) mean VO₂max score within group B (AD). Thus, aerobic dance protocol is effective in improving the VO₂max at the end of 4 weeks.

Statistical analysis of descriptive data of study population table

Age-wise distribution of subjects

Out of the total 120 participants, 16 children (13%) were in the 10–11 years age group, while 104 children (87%) were in the 12–13 years age group.

Gender-wise distribution of subjects

Among the 120 participants, 53 (44%) were boys and 67 (56%) were girls.

Intra-group comparison data analysis

The pre and post intervention data in group A (fast Surya namaskar) was analyzed using paired t-test, there was significant difference (p<0.0001) in pre (16.005±0.1987) and post (15.412±0.2298) mean BMI within group A. Thus, fast Surya namaskar protocol is effective in weight loss at the end of 4 weeks (Table 3).

The pre and post intervention data in group A (fast Surya namaskar) was analyzed using Paired t-test, there was significant difference (p<0.0001) in pre (38.64±3.099) and post (40.597±3.792) mean VO₂max within group A. Thus, fast Surya namaskar protocol is effective in improving cardiorespitory at the end of 4 weeks (Table 4).

The pre and post intervention data in group B (aerobic dance) was analyzed using paired t-test, there was significant difference (p<0.0001) in pre (16.01±0.2938) and post (15.377±0.1740) mean BMI within group B. Thus, aerobic dance protocol is effective in weight loss at the end of 4 weeks (Table 5).

The pre and post intervention data in group B (aerobic dance) was analyzed using paired t-test, there was significant difference (p<0.0001) in pre (38.822±3.055) and post (41.23±3.189) mean VO₂max within group A. Thus, aerobic dance protocol is effective in improving cardiorespiratory at the end of 4 weeks (Table 6).

The post intervention data in group A (fast suryanamaskar) group B (aerobic dance) was analyzed using Unpaired t-test, there was not significant because both the post values show similar difference (p<0.0001) post (15.412±0.2298), (15.377±0.1740) mean BMI between the group A and group B (Table 7).

The pre and post intervention data in group A (FSN) and group B (aerobic dance) was analyzed using unpaired t-test, there was not significant because both post values are almost similar difference (p<0.0001) in post (40.596±3.792) and post (41.23±3.189) mean VO₂max between the group A and group B (Table 8).

DISCUSSION

This study compared the effects of fast Surya namaskar and aerobic dance on cardiorespiratory fitness in children aged 10-13 years. A total of 120 children (44% boys, 56% girls) were randomly assigned to two groups, with 60 participants in each. Group A practiced fast Surya namaskar, while group B engaged in aerobic dance. After 4 weeks, both groups showed significant improvements in VO₂max, with Group A increasing from 38.64 to 40.60 and Group B from 38.82 to 41.23, with a p value of 0.0001, indicating statistical significance.¹

Aerobic dance improved VO₂max due to its high-intensity nature, which boosts catecholamine and growth hormone release, enhances cardiovascular endurance, and improves oxygen delivery.² Fast Surya namaskar increased VO₂max through reduced resting pulse rate, improved vagal tone, and enhanced respiratory muscle strength, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving cardiovascular fitness.³

Both interventions were equally effective in improving cardiorespiratory fitness, suggesting that both fast Surya namaskar and aerobic dance are valuable for enhancing aerobic capacity in children. Regular participation in either can contribute to improved health and well-being in school-aged youth.⁴

Clinical implication

The study shows clinically significant improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness in children aged 10-13 years.

Fast Surya namaskar and aerobic dance are effective in enhancing post cardiorespiratory fitness in children.

Both can be recommended to improve cardiorespiratory fitness in this age group.

Further scope of the study

Further studies can be conducted with other outcome measure such as physical activity questionnaire for children. Further studies need to be carried on comparison between different age groups. Further studies also recommended using protocols of longer duration.

CONCLUSION

The present study concludes that both fast Surya namaskar and aerobic dance significantly improve cardiorespiratory fitness in children aged 10-13 years after four weeks of intervention, with aerobic dance showing a slightly greater enhancement in VO₂max. These findings highlight that both forms of structured, school-based aerobic exercises can serve as effective, low-cost, and accessible methods to improve cardiovascular health, endurance, and weight control in children. The study contributes to existing knowledge by demonstrating the comparative effectiveness of two indoor, equipment-free exercise protocols, thereby supporting their integration into school physical education programs to promote lifelong fitness habits and prevent lifestyle-related health risks in youth.

Funding: No funding sources

Conflict of interest: None declared

Ethical approval: The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee

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