We are lifelong learners and we want to encourage you to be as well. We will do our best to keep this page updated with the latest research on yoga, movement science, and interesting neuroscience.

Wondering if it's safe to jumpback to plank? We did the science for you. Check out our article on the topic in Yoga Journal by clicking on the title:  Can You Safely Jump Back to Plank? 

Is it helpful to cue muscles in a group class? The research suggests that external cueing may be more effective in a group setting. Check out our article in Yoga Journal: www.yogajournal.com/teach/science-behind-cues-in-yoga-anatomy

My personal research:

Eur J Sport Sci. 2017 Nov 4:1-9. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2017.1394370. [Epub ahead of print]
Manipulation of sensory input can improve stretching outcomes.Capobianco RA1 Almuklass AM, Enoka RM

Abstract
​The primary purpose of our study was to assess the influence of modulating sensory input with either transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) or self-massage with therapy balls on the maximal range of motion (ROM) about the ankle joint when stretching the calf muscles. We also investigated the influence of these two conditions on the force capacity and force control of plantar flexor muscles. Twenty healthy adults (25 ± 3 yr) performed three sessions of ankle plantar flexor stretching (three stretches of 30 s each): stretching alone (SS), stretching with concurrent TENS (TENS), and stretching after self-massage using therapy balls (SM). TENS was applied for 60 s prior to and during each stretch, and SM was performed for 60 s prior to each of the three stretches. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque and force steadiness at 20% MVC were recorded before and at 15 min after the final stretch. Ankle dorsiflexion ROM was assessed before, after, and at 5, 10, and 15 min after the last stretch. The increase in ROM was greater after SM (24%) than after SS (13%) and TENS (9%; p < .001). Maximal discomfort level (0-10 VAS) during stretching was similar for all conditions. MVC torque increased after SM only (p < .001, Cohen's D = 1.5): SM, 16%; SS, -1%; TENS, -3%. Force steadiness did not change. The sensory fibres that contribute to stretch tolerance were engaged by self-massage but not by TENS, resulting in greater increases in flexibility and MVC torque after self-massage.
KEYWORDS:Flexibility; plantar flexors; stretching; therapy balls; transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
PMID:29105593
 
Spine J. 2018 Apr 3. pii: S1529-9430(18)30097-4. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2018.03.008. [Epub ahead of print]Patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction exhibit altered movement strategies when performing a sit-to-stand task.Capobianco RA1, Feeney DF2, Jeffers JR2, Nelson-Wong E3, Morreale J4, Grabowski AM2, Enoka RM2.
AbstractOF BACKGROUND DATA:The ability to rise from a chair is a basic functional task that is frequently compromised in individuals diagnosed with orthopedic disorders in the low back and hip. There is no published literature that describes how this task is altered by sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD).
PURPOSE:The objective of this study was to compare lower extremity biomechanics and the onset of muscle activity when rising from a chair in subjects with SIJD and in healthy persons.
STUDY DESIGN:Six women with unilateral SIJD and six age-matched healthy controls performed a sit-to-stand task while we measured kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activity.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:Subjects stood up at a preferred speed from a seated position on an armless and backless adjustable stool. We measured kinematics with a 10-camera motion capture system, ground reaction forces for each leg with force plates, and muscle activity with surface electromyography. Joint angles and torques were calculated using inverse dynamics. Leg-loading rate was quantified as the average slope of vertical ground reaction (VGRF) force during the 500-millisecond interval preceding maximal knee extension.
RESULTS:Between-leg differences in loading rates and peak VGRFs were significantly greater for the SIJD group than for the control group. Maximal hip angles were significantly less for the SIJD group (p=.001). Peak hip moment in the SIJD group was significantly greater in the unaffected leg (0.75±0.22 N⋅m/kg) than in the affected leg (0.47±0.29 N⋅m/kg, p=.005). There were no between-leg or between-group differences for peak knee or ankle moments. The onset of activity in the latissimus dorsi muscle on the affected side was delayed and the erector spinae muscles were activated earlier in the SIJD group than in the control group.
CONCLUSIONS:Subjects with SIJD have a greater VGRF on the unaffected leg, generate a greater peak hip moment in the unaffected leg, use a smaller range of motion at the hip joint of the affected leg, and delay the onset of a key muscle on the affected side when rising from a seated position.
Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
KEYWORDS:Biomechanics; Electromyography; Joint loading; Kinematics; Muscle onset timing; Sacroiliac joint
PMID:29625190
DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2018.03.008
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29625190
Yoga
Golec de Zavala A, et al. Yoga poses increase subjective energy and state self-esteem in comparison to 'power poses.'
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28553249

Gothe NP, et al. Yoga practice improves executive function by attenuating stress levels. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27794449

Gothe NP, et al. Hatha Yoga Practice Improves Attention and Processing Speed in Older Adults: Results from an 8-wk Randomized Controlled Trial. ​https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27809558

Cresswell, D et al. Alterations in Resting State Functional Connectivity link Mindfulness Meditation with Reduced Interleukin-6: A Randomized Controlled Trial  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=27021514

Santaella D et al. Yoga respiratory training improves function and cardiac sympathovagal balance in elderly subjects:a randomised controlled trial.  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22021757

Rodriguez R, et al. Effects of yoga breathing exercises on pulmonary function in patients with  Duchenne muscular dystrophy: an exploratory analysis.  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24831396