Effect of yoga practices on micronutrient absorption and physical fitness in rural residential school children: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Micronutrients are extremely important in preschool and adolescent children due to the rapid physical and mental growth. Impaired absorption of micronutrients may lead to poor physical and mental health. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the effect of yoga practices on selected micronutrient absorption and physical fitness variables among rural residential school children. Eighty two male students, aged 11-15 years, were randomly divided into experimental (n = 41) and control (n = 41) groups. Micronutrient status and physical fitness variables were evaluated at the baseline and at the end of 12 weeks of yoga training in both groups. During the experimental study, all the students continued with their normal vegetarian diet available at the hostel mess and no external nutritional supplements were provided. Data were analysed using paired 't' tests and independent 't' test. Micronutrients and physical fitness were measured at the beginning and at the end of 12 weeks. The results of comparisons between groups revealed significant improvement in Cu and Mg (p < 0.001; p < 0.01) in yoga group as compared to control group. There was no significant change in Hb, Zn, Fe and physical fitness variables (p > 0.05). However, results of within group showed no significant increase in Mg, Fe, and Cu (p < 0.001) as well as haemoglobin and Zinc (p > 0.05) in yoga group, whereas control group showed significant increase in Cu (p < 0.001) and no statistically significant change was observed in Haemoglobin and Zn (p > 0.05). The significant increase in flexibility, grip strength and abdominal strength was evident after yoga practice (p < 0.001). Micronutrient absorption and physical fitness can be improved after 12 weeks of yoga training in adolescent rural residential school children.