Importance of the relaxation techniques application in the physical education classroom

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the personal and scholar-level benefits of a program of relaxation techniques in Physical Education (PE) lessons.A total of 177 students of the third and fourth grade of Secondary Education participated in the current study. Participants were divided into control group (n = 87) and experimental group (n = 90) with whom a relaxing educational intervention was carried out during 10 PE lessons and 10 outside school activities consisting of various methods (i.e., massage, Jacobson’s progressive relaxation, yoga, Schultz’s autogenic training and mindfulness). According to the study aim, before and after carrying out the intervention, the students completed the Mindfulness-Relaxation Habits Questionnaire to know the habits of the students that influence their relaxation competence, the School Relaxation Scale to know their level of relaxation competence and a program evaluation questionnaire. In addition, two teachers were interviewed to find out their opinion on the application of this program.The results showed the intervention program produced notable improvements in the students’ habits, as well as a psychophysical and behavioral well-being that directly influences the classroom climate and academic performance. It is concluded that the application of diverse strategies of this discipline is important during the educational task.