Obesity and stress continue to disproportionally affect the health of children in urban areas. Mindfulness activities (i.e. yoga, relaxation, breathing techniques) can decrease stress levels while helping youth to meet the minimum required 60 minutes of daily physical activity (PA). Using Social Cognitive theory to examine personal and environmental factors, the purpose of this pilot study was to examine the multi-level influences of a yoga-based classroom intervention on yoga practice, and level of stress and aggression (fighting) among urban youth.
Method:
Using a mixed methodological quasi-experimental design with treatment and comparison groups this study included 3rd grade students (n=40) at one urban elementary school. Students in the intervention classroom participated daily in a ten-week yoga program. Valid and reliable pre/post instruments were used to measure outcomes. Qualitative data sources included: classroom teacher observation for each student (n=160), researcher classroom observations (n=8), and student interviews (n=25). Quantitative data were cleaned and analyzed using t-tests; qualitative data were analyzed using constant comparison methods including trustworthiness strategies.
Analysis/Results:
There were no significant differences between groups at baseline (p >.05). Paired and independent sample t-tests showed pre/post differences in yoga participation both in and out of school for the intervention participants (p < .01). Significant differences between groups were not found for stress (p = .36) or aggression (fighting p = .55); however, this may be due to sample size or program dose. Qualitative analysis revealed three main themes that included both teacher and student perceptions: 1) Increased use and enjoyment of yoga techniques (i.e. using breathing techniques to calm down when nervous or angry), 2) Behavioral changes both in/out of school (i.e. students and teachers felt students were able to concentrate better in the classroom), and 3) Impact on personal factors (increase knowledge about yoga, better able to handle perceived stress, and sense of calmness).
Conclusions:
This study showed an increase in yoga participation outside of school and an increase in techniques used to regulate stress and aggression among youth. Findings suggest that urban classrooms can include mindfulness training as it contributes to daily student PA, but also, according to students, can be stress relieving, fun, calming, and easy to perform outside of school.