Siddharth J Jain

Jindal Nature Cure Institute
India

Abstract Title:

Exploring The Differential Efficacy Of Aquatic Yoga Versus Suryanamaskara On Obesity With Integrated Naturopathy Approach – An Explorative Randomised Control Trial

Biography:

Dr. Siddharth Jain holds a Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences (BNYS) from SDM College of Naturopathy & Yogic Sciences, Ujire (Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka), and a Postgraduate Fellowship in Integrative Medicine from IRIIM Kolkata. He is currently pursuing an MD in Acupuncture and an MA in Yoga from Jain Vishwa Bharati, Ladnun. He practices as a Lifestyle Management Doctor at Ayushka by Awadh, Navsari, Gujarat, with specialisation in Naturopathy, Yoga Therapy, Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, and Clinical Nutrition. His research interests encompass integrative approaches to metabolic disorders, mind-body medicine, and evidence-based complementary medicine. He has authored multiple clinical reference works on pulse diagnosis, TCM, and Upanishadic philosophy.

Research Interests:

Background: Obesity is a significant global public health concern, closely associated with metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and psychological comorbidities. This explorative randomised controlled trial compared the short-term efficacy of Aquatic Yoga versus Suryanamaskara (Sun Salutation) on obesity management within an integrated naturopathy framework, assessing body composition, metabolic parameters, and cardiorespiratory outcomes. Materials and Methods: A total of 63 participants (BMI ≥25 kg/m², age 18–60 years) were recruited from SDM Yoga & Nature Cure Hospital, Dharmasthala and SDM Nature Cure & Wellness Centre Kshemavana, Bengaluru, and randomly allocated using computer-generated randomisation: Group 1 – Aquatic Yoga (n=33); Group 2 – Suryanamaskara (n=30). Both groups received 60-minute daily sessions for 5–7 days alongside a standardised naturopathy treatment protocol. Pre- and post-intervention assessments measured: Body Mass Index (BMI), body weight, fasting blood sugar (FBS), postprandial blood sugar (PPBS), lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, VLDL), blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), pulse rate, and respiratory rate. Paired samples t-tests were used for within-group analysis (p<0.05 significance level). Results: Both interventions produced statistically significant (p<0.001) improvements across all parameters. In the Aquatic Yoga group, mean BMI reduced from 33.7 to 32.1 kg/m² (Δ1.6), weight from 92.7 to 88.4 kg, FBS from 140.76 to 108.03 mg/dL, PPBS from 169.36 to 133.91 mg/dL, triglycerides from 285.09 to 159.67 mg/dL, and cholesterol from 196.28 to 175.88 mg/dL. Systolic BP reduced from 148.8 to 131.9 mmHg and pulse rate from 81.7 to 77.0 bpm. In the Suryanamaskara group, BMI reduced from 34.7 to 33.1 kg/m², weight from 93.1 to 88.7 kg, FBS from 151.70 to 119.40 mg/dL, and triglycerides from 290.07 to 173.60 mg/dL. The Aquatic Yoga group demonstrated a comparatively superior reduction in BMI, postprandial blood glucose, triglycerides, and pulse rate, while both groups showed equivalent improvements in cholesterol ratios and diastolic blood pressure. Conclusion: Both Aquatic Yoga and Suryanamaskara, when integrated within a naturopathic protocol, are highly effective short-term interventions for obesity management, producing clinically meaningful improvements in body composition, glycaemic control, lipid profiles, and cardiovascular parameters. Aquatic Yoga demonstrated marginal superiority in metabolic and cardiorespiratory outcomes, potentially attributable to the buoyancy-assisted low-impact nature of aquatic exercise, greater joint comfort, and the thermodynamic properties of the aquatic medium. These findings support the integration of aquatic yoga into naturopathic obesity management programmes, particularly for individuals with joint comorbidities. Future research with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up is warranted.