What’s This Research About?
This study examines the effect of a standard Bikram yoga class on core temperatures (Tc),
heart rate (HR) and perceived exertion levels (RPE).
TITLE: (This study was published on two sites with different titles)
- ACE Study Examines Effects of Bikram Yoga on Core Body Temps (on ACE website)
- Heart Rate and Core Temperature Responses to Bikram Yoga (in Gunderson Journal)
PUBLICATION: Published on ACE website and Gundersen Health Journal
DATE: April 2015 on ACE website and in June 2015 in the Gundersen Journal
AUTHORS : Emily Quandt, M.S., John P. Porcari, PH.D., Jeff Steffen, PH.D., Manny Felix, PH.D., and Carl Fioster, PH.D., with Daniel J. Green
Bikram Yoga: A yoga method franchised by Bikram Choudry. It’s described as a type of hatha yoga characterized by a set series of postures and breathing exercises, performed in a room heated to a very high temperature. Standard Bikram yoga classes are 90 minutes, 105 degrees, 40% humidity and repeats a series of 26 poses.
Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE): In sports and particularly exercise testing, the Borg RPE Scale measures perceived exertion. In medicine this is used to document the patient’s exertion during a test, and sports coaches use the scale to assess the intensity of training and competition. The RPE scale is used to measure the percieved intensity of your exercise and runs from 0 – 10.