Abstract: The self-rated musculoskeletal discomfort, hand grip strength,
tapping speed, and low back and hamstring flexibility (based on a sit and reach
task) were assessed in 291 professional computer users. They were then
randomized as Yoga (YG; n=146) and Wait-list control (WL;
n=145) groups. Follow-up assessments for both groups were
after 60 days during which the YG group practiced yoga for 60 minutes daily,
for 5 days in a week. The WL group spent the same time in their usual
recreational activities. At the end of 60 days, the YG group
(n=62) showed a significant decrease in the frequency,
intensity and degree of interference due to musculoskeletal discomfort, an
increase in bilateral hand grip strength, the right hand tapping speed, and low
back and hamstring flexibility (repeated measures ANOVA and post hoc
analysis with Bonferroni adjustment). In contrast, the WL group
(n=56) showed an increase in musculoskeletal discomfort and
a decrease in left hand tapping speed. The results suggest that yoga practice
is a useful addition to the routine of professional computer users.
