Comparison of posture, balance and shoulder joint thermography changes in Hatha yoga and hammock yoga performers

Hatha yoga and hammock yoga provide various positive effects on physical health, but it should also be considered that these types of exercises may lead to potential injury risks in the shoulder joint. This study was conducted to compare the shoulder joint injury risks and postural differences in individuals practicing Hatha yoga and hammock yoga. The study consists of 27 participants practicing hammock yoga, 27 participants practicing Hatha yoga, and 27 sedentary participants. Shoulder joint thermographic measurement with thermal camera Posture Screen Mobile posture analysis application, shoulder stability was evaluated with the upper extremity closed kinetic chain test, upper extremity postural control was measured using the upper extremity Y test, and shoulder disability level was evaluated with the DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire) shoulder survey. In pre- and post-comparisons of the thermal camera risk test, there was no significant difference between the dominant side measurements in the hammock yoga group, while the post-measurement on the non-dominant side was significantly higher than the pre-measurement (p=,004). In the Hatha group, no significant differences were found between the measurements (p<,001). When comparing the average scores of the Posture Screen mobile application measurements, all post-application measurements in the Hatha group were significantly lower than the pre-application measurements (p<,001). In the comparison of the Y test parameters before and after the tests, a significant difference in means was observed. In the sedentary group, post-test averages were significantly higher than pre-test averages for all measurements (p<0,001). When comparing the averages of lateral scapular glide measurements, a significant difference was found between the hammock yoga and Hatha groups (p<0,05). In the comparison of kinetic test parameters between the first and last tests, a significant difference in means was observed. The post-test averages were significantly higher than the pre-test averages (p<0,001). In the comparison of kinetic test parameters between the first and last tests, a significant difference in means was observed. A significant difference in DASH scores was found between groups, with the post-measurement average being significantly higher than the pre-measurement (p<0,05). Post-test averages were significantly higher than pre-test averages (p<0,001). In the pre- and post-comparisons of the star test parameters, a significant difference in means was observed (p<0,001). In the sedentary group, post-test averages were significantly higher than pre-test averages for all measurements (p<0,001). The findings of the study concluded that both types of yoga increased shoulder muscle stability, but hammock yoga practices could, in some cases, increase the injury risk in the shoulder joint. This study demonstrates that both Hatha yoga and hammock yoga provide health benefits and can minimize shoulder injury risks when performed with proper guidance and attention. Keywords: Hatha Yoga, Hammock Yoga, Shoulder Joint, Injury, Posture.