Influence of Yoga Practice on Body Composition and Cardio-Respiratory Functions of Adolescent Male

Abstract

Yoga has beneficial effects on physical fitness and health of children and adolescent. This study was designed to observe the influence yoga practice on body composition and cardio-respiratory functions of adolescent male volunteers. A total of 168 male volunteers (age: 16–18 years) were randomly selected, and 68 were excluded, the remaining 100 were divided into (a) yoga practice group (n = 50) and (b) sedentary control group (n = 50). A yoga training protocol of 60 min/d, 6 d/week for 12 weeks was followed by the subjects of yoga practice group, where as no such training was given in sedentary control group. Measurement of body composition and cardio-respiratory variables were performed in both the groups at 0-week and 12-weeks. A reduction (P < 0.05) in body fat percentage, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), resting heart rate (RHR) and respiratory rate (RR); and elevation (P < 0.05) in forced expiratory volume in 1st sec (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), maximum ventilatory volume (MVV), and breath holding time (BHT) were observed among yoga practice group after 12 weeks. Reduced (P < 0.05) body fat, blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate; and improved (P < 0.05) level of FVC, FEV1, PEFR, MVV, and BHT were seen in the yoga practice group when compared to the sedentary control group after 12 weeks. It can be stated that regular yoga practice improves body composition and cardio-respiratory functions of adolescents.