Effect of yoga on physical fitness for healthy adolescents by using Modified Harvard Step Test

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Physical fitness is a most important public health challenge and leading cause of morbidity and mortality both in developing and developed countries. Several studies reported that hypertensive subjects have higher anxiety and depression levels along with reduced quality of life. Yoga is well-known alternative and complimentary therapy having significant role in management of many chronic physical and psychological conditions. AIM: To study the effect of yoga on adolescents to enhance physical fitness and changes in cardiovascular system. METHOD: Twenty five healthy students with mean age 15 to 17 years ( ± ), from Himachal Public High School Sujanpur Tihra Distt. Hamirpur, Himachal pradesh, India, were enrolled in this study. Who are physically challenged or with physical disability and with any major injury or operation cadets, were excluded from this study. All the subjects underwent twenty five days of yoga intervention six days in a week, consisting of physical postures, breathing practices, meditation, pranayam. Havard step up test was assessed for pre and post data. Data analysis was done using R. Paired sample t test was used to see pre post changes. Result: There is no significant difference before and after the study.