Effects of yoga exercise program on response of stress, physical fitness and self-esteem in the middle-aged women

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined the effects of a yoga exercise program on stress response, physical fitness and self-esteem among middle-aged women. Methods: Participants were 39 middle-aged females from District Y in Seoul who were assigned to either a treatment (N=19) or to a control group (N=20). The treatment participated three times a week in a yoga exercise program which included classes and practices. Data collection instruments included the Symptoms of Stress Inventory (1977), the Rosenberg's self-esteem scale (1965) and measurements of grip strength, flexibility and balance. The data were analyzed using the SPSS-WIN 12.0 program. Results: The treatment group had significantly lower score for stress response (t=-6.18, p