A Semester of Hatha Yoga Has Comparable Effects to Physical Education for Children in Terms of Physical Activity and Psychosocial Indicators

A Semester of Hatha Yoga Has Comparable Effects to Physical Education for Children in Terms of Physical Activity and Psychosocial Indicators

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Background/Objectives: As research on yoga with school children is growing, this study investigated the effects a semester of yoga versus physical education on children’s physical activity and psychosocial indicators.Methods: Physical activity and psychosocial variables were assessed at Time 1 (January/February) and Time 2 (April/May) through self-report surveys (n = 157; 63% female, age: m = 10.38, sd = 0.81 years) for the intervention (Hatha yoga classes) and control groups (standard physical education classes).The intervention group was also observed regarding pedometer and System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time data.

Results: The satisfyer pro penguin next generation results revealed a trend towards an increase for the control and a decrease for the intervention group in stress levels.The pedometer results showed a trend towards an increasing number of steps/min.Skill practice had the greatest increase with time dedicated to that activity.The observation results revealed a significant difference in activity from Time 1 to Time 2.The major differences were decreases in sitting and being very active, and an increase in walking.

Conclusions: Given the observation data and our mpu63zm/a study design limitations, the study results showed similarities between Hatha yoga and physical education in terms of increasing physical activity levels and psychosocial variables; thus, yoga may be a viable alternative to children’s physical education in this regard.