Question:
During the Tree Pose in yoga, what are the functional movements in the trunk and back?
Britney
2011-05-15 12:51:52 UTC
In the trunk and back, during this pose is there a closed chain or open chain movement, what muscles (agonists and antagonists), what is the muscle contraction and joint type/movement, plane of axis and accessory motions throughout the pose?
Ten answers:
Sati
2011-05-15 13:35:45 UTC
VRKSASANA (Tree Pose)



Key Structures



Lower leg, foot, arch, abductors, and external rotators of the standing leg; external and internal obliques, to stabilize torso to pelvis.





Joint and Limb Actions



Neutral spine, level pelvis. Standing leg: hip neutral extension, internal rotation, adduction; knee extension (not locked). Lifted leg: hip flexion, external rotation, abduction; knee flexion; tibia external rotation; ankle dorsiflexion (pressed against the adductors of the standing leg); foot pronation





Working



Lifted leg: Iliacus and psoas major, all external rotators and extensors - gluteus maximus, posterior fibers of gluteus medius and minimus, piriformis, adductor magnus (extensor portion), obturator internus and externus, gemelli, quadratus femoris.



Standing leg: Piriformis, tensor fascia lata, gluteus medius and minimus, gluteus maximus (extensor portion).



Standing foot: Intrinsic muscles of the foot, muscles of the ankle and lower leg.





Lengthening



Lifted leg: Pectineus, adductor longus and brevis, gracilis



Standing leg: Gluteus medius and minimus, piriformis (working eccentrically).





Notes



The adductors lengthen to get into position; they may have some role in holding the leg in place by pressing the foot into the inside of the standing leg. Misusing the pectineus to hold the leg in place creates flexion at the hip, tilting the pelvis and rotating the leg inward.



Abductors on the standing leg are working eccentrically; if they are weak or tight, the hip of the lifted leg will "hike up," or the rotators will try to stabilize the pelvis and the pelvis will rotate open.





Breathing



Compared to tree pose with arms elevated, the upper body is freer to participate in respiratory movements in this pose. With the arms held in namaste, and the raised leg braced against the adductors of the standing leg, the attention and center of gravity are drawn inward and downward.





VRKSASANA VARIATION - Arms Elevated



Joint Actions



Neutral spine; scapula upward rotation, abduction, elevation, glenohumeral external rotation, abduction; elbow extension; forearm pronation (if the upper arm is externally rotated).





Working



Infraspinatus, teres minor, deltoids, supraspinatus, long head biceps, serratus anterior (supported by the upper fibers of the trapezius), triceps with anconeus to extend elbows.





Lengthening



Latissimus dorsi, teres major, long head triceps.





Notes



Overuse of the latissimus dorsi to "pull shoulders down and back" interferes with the elevation of the scapulae; it can create impingement on the acromion of the biceps tendon and supraspinatus. The rib cage can also be pushed forward from a restriction of the latissimus.





Breathing



Because of the stabilizing action of the muscles that keep the arms overhead, the thoracic movements of the breath encounter more resistance in this position. In addition, the higher center of gravity will tend to produce a stronger stabilizing action in the abdominal muscles. Taken together, these factors combine to reduce the overall excursion of the diaphragm; therefore, quiet, efficient breathing is the most appropriate pattern. Breaths that are too deep will destabilize the posture.







Dont know if this is what you are looking for, but I thought it might help :)
anonymous
2016-02-12 18:40:45 UTC
At the introduction of the week, prepare a big container of salad and keep in the fridge. If the salad is made, you're more likely to get greens with your dinner.
anonymous
2016-04-17 12:22:38 UTC
Add veggies to baked things. You'll never even taste your zucchini in these brownies or the sweet potato in these kinds of cookies.
?
2016-02-25 17:11:48 UTC
Add veggies to baked goods. You'll never even taste the particular zucchini in these brownies or maybe the sweet potato in these cookies.
anonymous
2016-02-27 02:49:46 UTC
I hate the tree pose
?
2017-03-11 06:13:58 UTC
Skip ordering pizza and make one of these simple crusts at home: gluten-free special potato crust, a quinoa tulsi crust that's also gluten no cost, or this low-carb cauliflower crusting.
anonymous
2016-12-26 00:45:30 UTC
Add protein powder to special recipes (like these Rice Krispies treats) for boosting the nutrition.
John Davis
2011-05-15 14:07:18 UTC
Hi Britney,



That's a very interested question I'm afraid I don't know the answer to. If you don't find what you're looking for here, you may want to google for "yoga forum" which will bring up many yoga related sites where teachers hangout who can help answer your question.



Good luck!
?
2016-01-24 06:47:54 UTC
Freeze pureed veggies to include extra fiber to sauces in addition to soups.
?
2016-06-09 19:44:41 UTC
If you're constantly yearning high-sugar, high-fat foods, it may mean you should eat more protein.


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
Loading...