ISOMETRIC EXERCISES AND THEIR ANATOMICAL IMPACT ON BACK MUSCLES: A LITERATURE REVIEW WITH AYURVEDIC REFERENCE TO MAMSARAJJU.

Dr. Manisha Thakre* and Dr. Sandip Waghmare

Isometric exercises have been widely investigated for their role in alleviating low back pain and enhancing muscle activation patterns—particularly within the paraspinal musculature such as Erector spinae, Multifidus, and deep spinal stabilizers. Concurrently, Ayurvedic scholars describes “Mamsarajju”—rope-like muscular fibres—offering a traditional perspective that parallels modern anatomy of deep back muscles like the splenius and erector spinal. To synthesize current literature on isometric back exercises and elucidate the anatomical mechanisms of muscle activation and strengthening, and to correlate these findings with the Ayurvedic concept of Mamsarajju by mapping classical textual descriptions to contemporary anatomical counterparts. The literature strongly supports that isometric training enhances deep back muscle activation, strength, and endurance, aligned with objective measures and pain-reduction outcomes. Viewed through an Ayurvedic lens, the classical concept of Mamsarajju accurately reflects this anatomical and functional ensemble—bridging traditional medical insight with contemporary exercise science. Integration of isometric regimes grounded in both modern biomechanics and Ayurvedic anatomical theory may optimize rehabilitation and preventive strategies for spinal health.