Development, Content Validation and Comparative Effects of Nakshatra Vinyasa on Lung Function and Cardiovascular Function in Healthy Young Adults: A Three-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Established yoga sequences, such as Surya Namaskar, are largely organized around forward and backward movements. Nakshatra Vinyasa is a new sequence that combines forward, backward, and lateral movement with prescribed breathing. The present study focused on developing it, validating its content, and comparing its effects with Surya Namaskar and a control group.

Methods: Twenty experts holding a Ph.D. in yoga or a sports-related field rated the sequence, and the content validity ratio (CVR) was calculated. In a three-arm randomized trial, 150 healthy students aged 18–25 years (50 per group) were allocated to Nakshatra Vinyasa, Surya Namaskar (45 minutes, six days a week for 45 days) or a waitlist control. Rate–pressure product (RPP), heart rate recovery (HRR) and spirometry (FVC, FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC, PEFR, MVV) were measured before and after. Analysis used paired t-tests and Welch’s ANOVA on change scores.

Results: Every item exceeded the critical CVR of 0.42 (mean 0.71). Within groups, Nakshatra Vinyasa improved RPP, HRR, FVC, FEV₁, PEFR and MVV (p ≤ .023), and Surya Namaskar improved HRR, FVC, FEV₁ and RPP (p ≤ .034). Change scores differed among groups only for HRR (p < .001): gains were greater with Nakshatra Vinyasa (3.14 bpm) and Surya Namaskar (2.56 bpm) than with control (0.66 bpm), with no difference between the two practices.

Conclusion: Nakshatra Vinyasa is a content-valid, practicable sequence. After 45 days, it improved heart rate recovery as much as Surya Namaskar and significantly more than control, and it produced significant within-group improvements in RPP, FVC, FEV₁, PEFR and MVV. These findings support Nakshatra Vinyasa as a promising multidirectional practice for healthy young adults and justify larger trials.