Impact of Vinyasa Sun Salutation on Knock Knee Deformity among Schoo-Aged Children

Abstract

Background: Knock knee deformity is a prevalent postural issue among school-aged children that can impact gait, alignment, and long-term muscular skeletal health. While severe cases may require surgical or orthotic intervention, moderate deformities can often be addressed through targeted physical activity. Yoga, particularly the Vinyasa Sun Salutation offers a dynamic, non-invasive approach to improving muscular skeletal alignment and postural control. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of 8-week Vinyasa Sun Salutation intervention on knock knee deformity in children aged 8–14 years. Methods: Thirty children with diagnosed knock Knee (intermalleolar distance ≥ 5.0 cm) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 15), which practiced Vinyasa Sun Salutation five days per week, and a control group (n = 15), which followed standard school physical activities. Pre- and post-intervention intermalleolar distances (IMD) were measured and analysed using paired and independent t-tests. Results: The experimental group showed a significant reduction in IMD (mean gain = –1.24 cm, p < 0.001), while the control group showed only a minimal improvement (mean gain = –0.25 cm, p < 0.05). The between-group difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001), with a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 1.97) for the experimental group. Conclusion: Vinyasa Sun Salutation significantly improved lower limb alignment in children with knock knee deformity. This structured, age-appropriate yoga intervention offers a cost-effective, scalable, and child-friendly approach for managing early-stage postural abnormalities within school settings.