Qualitative study of yoga for Young adults in school sports. (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jeitler, Michael; Högl, Manuel; Peters, Alexander; Schumann, Dania; Murthy, Vijayendra; Bringmann, Holger; Seifert, Georg; Michalsen, Andreas; Stöckigt, Barbara; Kessler, Christian S.
• Is Part Of: Complementary therapies in medicine. Volume 55(2021)
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: FG focus group -- M male -- F female; Distress -- Stress reduction -- Adolescents -- Yoga -- Qualitative evaluation -- Mixed methods -- School sport -- Physical education; Alternative medicine -- Periodicals; Complementary Therapies -- Periodicals; Médecines parallèles -- Périodiques; Thérapeutique -- Périodiques; Alternative medicine; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 615.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102584
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0965-2299

Abstract

Highlights: In this qualitative study yoga was very well accepted by most interviewed young adults. Many participants reported positive effects of yoga regarding health/health behavior. Self-responsible action was a welcome change from the heteronomy in (school) life. A calm, open and focused atmosphere strengthened the sense of the group. Some students used breathing in particular as a tool for self-regulation in everyday life. Abstract: Objectives: Distress and stress-related diseases are an increasing public health problem at schools. This qualitative study was nested in a non-randomized, controlled trial studying the effects of a 10-week yoga course as an alternative for regular school sports in two secondary schools in Germany. Methods: We conducted a qualitative evaluation in 3 focus groups with 6 participants each. The focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, pseudonymised and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Furthermore open questions were asked in questionnaires. Results: The analysis of the participants' interviews (mean age 19.6 ± 2.9 years, n = 10 female, n = 8 male) resulted in 4 key topics: 1. encountering yoga, 2. yoga practice, 3. effects and benefits of yoga, and 4. yoga in the school context. Yoga was very well accepted by most participants. They reported a variety of physical and psychological benefits as well as overall restorative effects. The relief of pain or other physical ailments, higher mobility and flexibility, improved posture and improved sleep were mentioned by the participants. Some participants used the new exercises and experiences (e.g. working with the breath) in their everyday life. The possibility for self-responsible action was a welcome change from the perceived pressure and heteronomy in normal (school) life. Controversial was the question of whether yoga - if it is part of school sport - should be assessed or graded, and whether it should be compulsory or voluntary. Conclusion: Yoga can offer both physical and psychological benefits in young adults as well as offer general regenerative effects. Yoga by sensitizing the participants to negative patterns of behaviour can encourage healthy behaviour.