Yoga Theses by PhD students
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://192.168.0.109:4000/handle/123456789/12
Yoga Theses by Yoga PhD Students at SVYASA. These pages present some efforts at Scientific Validation of Yoga. You may receive full text of available yoga research papers
News
Yoga Theses
Browse
32 results
Search Results
Item A study on impact of yoga in improvement of Physical, Psychological, and Social fitness among adolescents(S-VYASA, 2019-11-02) Choukse, AsthaDiscovering and promoting ways to improve adolescents’ overall fitness has been a recurrent concern and challenge in the field of health and psychology. Adolescence, as a period of transition, is highly prone to health risks and unhealthy behavior patterns. Decrease in physical activity, improper food habits, and sedentary lifestyle in adolescents are very prevalent today. These factors can constitute risks to physical, mental, and social health. Adolescence is the right time to promote healthy practices to prevent problems of health and behavior in adulthood. Even though, fitness during adolescence is considered essential, there is a dearth for effective programs that promote overall fitness in adolescents. Available programs lack in holisticity or integrative approach as they focus on either of the fitness domains such as physical, psychological, or social domains. Indian classical texts provide immense conceptual resources and guidelines on different aspects of life. Texts like Bhagavad-Gita, Taittiriya Upanishad, Patanjali Yoga Sutras explain various components of fitness and techniques that promote fitness at different domains. Integrative approach Yoga is considered an important intervention that provides the right dose of activities to promote health and wellbeing at all five koshas. Research studies indicate that although yoga is being implemented in schools, little is done on studying its effect on overall fitness of adolescents. While yoga in schools is a popular program, residential yoga camps for adolescents are less heard. Further, research studies on the effect of short-term residential yoga program has not been cited. There is also a need to develop effective holistic yoga program that can be replicated in different adolescent populations and different setting other than school as well. AIMS & OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of a seven-day residential, integrated, holistic yoga intervention on certain physical, psychological, and social fitness parameters in adolescents. The primary objective of the study is to examine the effect of yoga on a. Physical fitness, such as strength, speed, flexibility, and coordination b. Psychological, fitness such as Emotional Intelligence, anger, and self-concept c. Social fitness, such as empathy, social competence, altruism, and relationships The secondary objectives are a) To develop an integrated yoga module for overall fitness among adolescents b) To understand the difference in the effects of yoga across genders and age groups. c) To explore the relationships between the changes across physical, psychological and social domains. d) To assess if parents’ observations coincided with that of their children. MATERIALS & METHODS A pre-post yoga interventional study was carried out in three independent cohorts (batches 1, 2 and 3) with sample size of 148 (57.8% male), 167 (73.1% male), and 195 (62.1% male), respectively. The participants of the study included healthy adolescent children (both girls and boys) aged between 9 and 16 years, studying in English-medium schools. The samples were drawn from the children who registered for the seven-day residential yoga camp. Ethical approval and consent from parents and participants were obtained. A seven-day integrated yoga intervention was conducted in a residential setting. The intervention included Asana, Pranayama, Relaxation, Meditation, and also Jnana yoga (Yama- Niyama concepts) and Bhakti yoga. The intervention was spread over from morning 5.00 am till night 9.30 pm with intermittent breaks and free time. Food and lifestyle remained same for all the participants during the program. Physical fitness tasks such as body mass index (BMI), plate-taping test (PLT), sit and reach (SAR), standing broad jump (SBJ), sit-ups (SUP), and 10x5m shuttle run (10x5mR) were assessed using Eurofit battery. Psychological assessments included emotional intelligence, emotional regulation strategies, clinical anger, and self-concept. Social assessments included social competence, empathy, altruism, parent relationship, and peer friendship. Authorized scales and software were used for assessments and relevant analyses were carried out. Data was collected from the participants and their parents using respective versions of the scales for psychosocial assessments.Item Neurocognitve and Psychophysiological changes associated with Kumbhaka - Yogic breath holding(S-VYASA, 2018) Apar Avinash, Saoji; Sharma, N.K. Manjunath; Bhat, RaghavendraPräëäyäma is the 4th limb, among the practices of añöängayoga. It has been described in the as cessation of breathing, in the aphorisms of the sage Patanjali (Saraswati, 2011). The practice of präëäyäma involves modulation of breath and includes three phases viz., püraka (inhalation), recaka (exhalation) and kumbhaka (holding of breath) (Nagendra, 2007). The practice of Breath Holding (Kumbhaka) is considered as an essential part of the practice of präëäyäma. Although the effects of the practice of different präëäyäma techniques have been studied, there is lack of clear understanding about the effects of kumbhaka. The traditional texts of yoga emphasize on the practice of intermittent breath holding, however, such practice has sought very limited scientific attention. The proposed multiple health benefits of intermittent yogic breath holding include an increase in hemoglobin by increasing erythropoietin, increase in vascular endothelial growth factor leading to the formation of collaterals, reduction in blood pressure and resistance to cellular damage and thereby delayed ageing (Malshe, 2011). A study demonstrated reduced pulse rate and increased galvanic skin resistance, following alternate nostril breathing (ANB) with intermittent breath holding (Turankar et al., 2013). Another study demonstrated an increase in oxygen consumption while performing Ujjayi Pranayama with breath holding for a short duration. In contrast, lowered oxygen consumption was observed with prolonged breath holding (Telles & Desiraju, 1991). Since the practice of ANB and Ujjayi Pranayama are found to influence the human physiology even without the practice of breath holding (Bhavanani, Ramanathan, Balaji, & Pushpa, 2014; Lee & Ghiya, 2012; Mason et al., 2013), the effects of intermittent breath holding remain unclear. AIM AND OBJECTIVES The present study is proposed to understand the immediate changes in the neurocognitive abilities and cardiac autonomic regulation following yogic breath holding (YBH) in healthy volunteers. The objectives of the study were to investigate the effects following the practice of YBH on i) cardiovascular responses, ii) baroreceptor sensitivity, iii) heart rate variability and iv) performance in Stop Signal Task. METHODS Participants A total of seventy-six volunteers of both genders with their ages ranging from 18 to 30 years participated in the study. They were students of a Yoga University from South India. They had a minimum experience of practice of yoga of 6 months. Design For assessing the cardiovascular and autonomic changes, we adapted self as control design, wherein, each participant was assessed twice, during the experimental and control session. The assessments were done for the duration of 5 min before and immediately after the practice of YBH or control sessions. For the assessment of performance in Stop Signal Task, repeated measures design was adapted. Each participant was assessed thrice; at baseline, following the practice of YBH and control sessions.Item IMPACT OF INTEGRATED YOGA MODULE ON LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES OF MANAGERS BASED ON VEDANTA MODEL OF LEADERSHIP(S-VYASA, 2017) Taware, Datta S.Abstract: Leadership remains one of the most researched topics but scientific mechanisms behind the phenomenon are not yet known completely. This research work was organised with two major tasks – Developing ‗Vedanta Model of Leadership‘ which is based on extensive literature research of ancient texts especially Advaita Vedanta of Adi Shankaracharya and providing empirical evidence with yoga intervention using modern theories and measurement tools based on them. The purpose of this research was to explore the impact of Integrated Yoga Module on Leadership competencies with three measurements scales - Indian Transformational Leadership (ITL), Decision Making Style, Quality of Life (QOL) and Guna Personality Inventory and test model for leadership phenomenon. We conducted the Randomized control trial study on total 126 Managers with 90 days of intervention. Integrated Yoga Module (Yoga group) (n=63) and Physical Exercise (PhyEx group) (n=63) participants. Experiments revealed that Leadership competencies are affected by both Integrated Yoga Module and Physical Exercise significantly (p<0.001). RM ANOVA results show that Yoga group has shown high effect size than Physical Exercise and has consistent significant effect over repeated measures. Integrated Yoga Module has positive impact on most of domain variables of Indian Transformational Leadership, Decision Making Style and Quality of Life with emotional and cognitive domains requiring willpower and self control while Physical Exercise has partial inconsistent impact only on few domains of the Leadership Competencies. Integrated Yoga Module increases Satva Guna and Physical Exercise increases Rajas guna while both reduce Tamas Guna in Human System.Item Effect of add-on Yoga therapy on social cognition in schizophrenia(S-VYASA, 2017-11) Ramajayam, G.Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder affecting young adults with a lifetime prevalence of 1%. It’s characterized by three important symptom clusters namely positive, negative & cognitive symptoms. Except for the positive symptoms, there are no effective treatments available for the negative and cognitive symptoms. In addition, the existing treatments are not free of side effects; some causing extrapyramidal side effects and others causing metabolic side effects. Unavailability of effective biological treatments for negative and cognitive symptoms adds to the already existing burden of socio-occupational dysfunction associated with these symptom clusters. Psychosocial interventions are available targeting a few or most of the domains of social cognition with or without neurocognition training. But majority of them [for example, Cognitive Enhancement Therapy(CET), Social Cognition Interaction Training(SCIT)] are highly resource intensive and its feasibility in developing countries are questionable, though they might be effective. Moreover, they were developed among the western patient population and its cultural validity in eastern countries with more of religious inclination is yet to be tested. Hence, there is a need to explore the role of other complementary therapies like yoga for an integrated approach in treating patients with schizophrenia. Yoga as a mind-body therapy is useful in lifestyle related disorders, including neuropsychiatric disorders. In healthy adults and elderly, yoga is found to be efficacious in improving cognitive skills. Yoga has been shown to significantly improve negative symptoms and functioning in schizophrenia patients. In a recent study, along with improvements in functioning, yoga also increased oxytocin levels along with improvement in Facial Emotion Recognition Deficit (FERD) in patients with schizophrenia.(Jayaram et al., 2013). In this study, we hypothesized that practice of yoga for one month would improve social cognition in patients with schizophrenia.Item Potential of Rasahara and yoga in treatment of pre diabetes - A controlled trial(S-VYASA, 2017) Datey, PurnimaFood which is pre-digested and full of vitamins and minerals of all kinds should be taken to ful-fill all bodily requirements. Such food is safe to eat even when blood sugar levels are increased. Food substances should be selected for easy digestion, so that the digestive system works less as for progress on the spiritual path. This thesis hypothesized that swarasa (freshly prepared herbal juices) taken as a food supplement to replace breakfast has more therapeutic value than traditional breakfast, and are therefore to be preferred. Many Āyurveda texts like Yoga Ratnākara, describe the subtle therapeutic importance of swarasa as well as whole herbs. This study discusses forms in which herbs should be taken, Guṇas of herbs and their food supplements, effects on the body, and quantities appropriate for best nutrition. Their many health benefits make raw foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs, grains, nuts, and sprouted grains, with more vitamins and minerals than cooked foods. Important dietary components. All are healthy additions to a regular diet providing missing nutrients; nor do they deposit or develop disease-generating Āma (toxins). Many studies have investigated food-related ingredients, such herbs to reduce sugar levels, for newly detected Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Others show how meal time relates to weight loss. Some show that yoga relaxation programs like Cyclic Meditation reduce sugar levels in both new and old T2DM patients. This study reports combined effects of Rasāhāra and Yoga. In Āyurveda, diet is a primary pillar of health. Food is an internal factor contributing to health and disease. The review of ancient literature quotes texts stating the importance of Āhāra-Vihāra for Prameha. Right herbs in correct quantity can restore their health. The scientific literature review concerns importance of breakfast modification, properties of the four herbs and yoga practices used to treat early T2DM and other diseases, to restore health and wellbeing. The study aim was to conduct a 3-arm controlled trial assessing effects of Rasāhāra and Yoga, or Yoga only on T2DM, metabolic disorder, and prameha markers in early T2DM. Objectives included recruiting enough participants to obtain required significances; measuring 5 biomedical parameters every 15 days; pre-post assessment of 10 other biomedical parameters, Āyurveda doša balas and related variables; to maintain participants on a regimen restricting variations in diet and lifestyle; and to evaluate any adverse events or side effects. Methods: The study was conducted at Bhopal Central Jail on male subjects, aged 18 to 70 years. Inclusion criteria: pre-T2DM patients with blood sugar levels, FBS: 100-170; PPBS: 150-220 mg/dl. Exclusion criteria: inability to practice Yoga; very low BMI; mental disorder; already with diabetes complications. Jail Hospital authorities helped with data extraction costs. The design was a three-arm controlled trial as above, with wait-listed controls under physician’s observation. Interventions were as described above: the four Rasāhāra herbs were Wheatgrass (Triticum Aestivum), Āmalaki (Emblica officinalis Gaertn), Guḍuci (Tinospora cordifolia), and Vāsā (Adhatoda vasica Nees) The Yoga program for Diabetes to Group 1 & 2. Group 2 ate normal breakfast. Group 3 (Controls) followed their normal jail routine. Assessments measured T2DM Markers (BMI, HbA1c, FBS, & PPBS); related parameters, lipid profile, SBP, DBP & pulse rate, Haemoglobin and creatinine; Breath Holding Time (Bhrāmari), and Doṣa Balas and related Guṇas. Data collection was by blinded Jail Hospital personnel. All blood samples were analysed blind to participant groups and trial hypotheses at Śagun Pathology laboratories, Bhopal. Data analysis used Excel and Graph Pad QuickCalcs, and SPSS-20 at S-VYASA. Results were as follows: for Conventional T2DM Markers BMI no changes; FBS and PPBS decreased for Groups 1 & 2, and increased for Group 3; Hb1Ac remained steady for Groups 1 & 2, but increased for controls. Blood lipid levels Groups 1 & 2 tended to improve values of ‘good’, and decrease values of ‘bad, lipoproteins; Controls did the reverse. Heart and hypertension parameters showed consistent decrease in standard deviations for Groups 1 and 2 implying that Yoga’s influence is to normalize blood pressure, correcting hypertension and raising low blood pressure: striking results. Changes in Hb levels were good in Group 1, none in Group 2, but decrease in Group 3. Changes in Creatinine levels: Groups 1 and 2 improved, but Group 3 got worse agreeing with other studies on Yoga and CKD. Group differences imply that Yoga helps prevent nephropathy, T2DM’s deadly complication. Breath holding time increased significantly in both Groups 1 and 2 while it decreased in control group. Seasonal Change: systematic shifts at change of season were a Post hoc discovery of importance to all medical science. Though stated in Āyurveda, the phenomenon is not known to medical science. This first study of Rasāhāra and Yoga for pre-diabetes in a prison setting in India shows that prisoners can benefit from yoga prison programs, especially those with elevated blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Follow-up studies should obtain more robust data so that Yoga may be added to India’s prison programs. The study was the first to confirm Rasāhāra’s value as a food supplement replacing normal breakfast. Those not practicing yoga regularly increased BP and pulse rates. Initially, all participants showed increased Kapha-Pitta Doṣa Balas confirming Āyurveda texts. Group 1 improved in Kapha-Pitta more than Group 2, both did better on all Dosha Balas than controls, confirming the values of their interventions. Results point to the efficacy of IAYT Yoga practice combined with strict āhāra-vihāra for treatment of newly diagnosed T2DM, especially benefits of breakfast modification. Addition of Rasāhāra herbal juices is a cheap alternative to long-term use of chemical drugs, which fail to improve underlying pathology. They support all study hypotheses. Further studies of Rasāhāra treatment are merited, particularly in rural areas, where it would be easy to implement.Item EFFECT OF INTEGRATED APPROACH OF YOGA THERAPY (IAYT) ON OBESITY OF MALE ADULTS(S-VYASA, 2017-06) RSHIKESAN, P. B.Background: Obesity is a global health disorder which is growing rapidly. Obesity is the cause for many non-communicable diseases and is increasing in Indian urban areas among male adults. The present available solutions for urban obesity control have limitations and further research is needed. Aim: To study the effect of IAYT (Integrated Approach of Yoga Therapy) yoga module on the urban male obese. Materials and Methods: A parallel group RCT (Randomized Controlled Trial) was conducted for six months on obese male in Anushaktinagar, Mumbai. The total number of subjects was 80 and 72 completed the intervention (Yoga n=37, Control n=35), consisting of; Yoga group (Age 40.03±8.74, BMI 28.7±2.35) and Control group (Age 42.20±12.06, BMI 27.70±2.05). IAYT was given to yoga group for fourteen weeks and for the next three months they continued IAYT practice at home. The Control group was asked to do normal routine physical routine activity like walking, in place of yoga intervention to the Yoga group. The assessments: Anthropometric, Body composition and Psychological parameters were assessed. The body composition was assessed using BIA (Bioelectric Impedance Analysis) method using InBody R20 instrument. Assessments were done at baseline after three months and after 6 months, for both Yoga and Control groups. Using SPSS 21 version, statistical analysis was carried out. Within group and between group analysis for pre post and follow up were carried out. To find out the relative improvements from pre to post among the variables, the correlation analysis was carried out. Results: The anthropometric body composition and psychological parameters were improved in both the groups but changes were significant in Yoga group. The improvements were slightly reduced during the follow up period. Conclusion: Incorporating the IAYT for obese male in urban setting will be effective for controlling the obesity and for reducing the obesity related psychological problems.Item Evaluation of yoga pranayama and vedic maths methods in the management of math anxiety and cognitive skills in school children(S-VYASA, 2019) Shastri, Vasant V.; Patra, Sanjib Kumar; Hankey, AlexBackground: Removing math phobia and stress is a challenge for teachers and educators anywhere across the globe. Many students develop stress and Math Anxiety early in life due to inefficient learning environments. Breathing patterns of growing students change under high stress and test anxiety and they become inactive during teaching and learning process. Disturbed working memory, cognitive skills and Math Anxiety affect math performance. Students develop emotional imbalances and aggression. Such imbalances may magnify during their higher education causing serious damage to their personality in general and career in particular. In such scenario any alternative strategies to reduce Math Anxiety and aggression, to improve cognitive skills and mindfulness play major roles in building a healthy personality and also in deciding a student’s career by influencing their subject results. ‘Vedic Mathematics’ by the late Çaìkaräcärya of Puré uses patterns in school mathematics, which benefit teaching, empower students with the feeling “I can”, and reducing Math Anxiety. Präëäyäma may assist emotion regulation, managing anxiety and working memory, directly benefitting cognitive faculties. Establishing the efficacy of Präëäyäma and Vedic Maths methods is the need of the present competitive education system. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of Vedic Maths and Yogä Präëäyäma in the management of Math Anxiety and development of cognitive skills in school children, further assessing results in terms of average exam marks, % of passes, 100% etc. To measure the changes in Math Anxiety, cognitive flexibility, mindfulness, aggressiveness, emotion regulation, and working memory of students after the Vedic Maths and Präëäyäma practices. To report the changes in student’s Board Examination results conducted and evaluated by Pre University Board, after giving training in Vedic Maths and Präëäyäma. Methods Study 1: (Pilot Study) Participants: 40 Resident students of 8th, 9th and 10th at Sri Sai Angels School Chikkamagaluru. Design: 3 group pre-post design. Students were randomly assigned to 3 groups: Yogä Präëäyäma (13), Vedic Maths (14) and Jogging (13). Variables were assessed before and after the seven days workshops. Assessments: Math Anxiety (MARS-R Math Anxiety Rating Scale Revised), Working Memory (Digit Span), Self-defeating and self-enhancing cognitions associated with performance and anxiety when faced by a test (CCAQ - Children’s Cognitive Assessment Questionnaire), Cognitive flexibility, Creativity, and reaction to cognitive stress (STROOP) Studies 2 & 3: Student participants were randomly assigned to three groups, Yogä Präëäyäma, Vedic Maths and Controls. Study 2 used Präëäyäma and Vedic Maths workshops for 15 days; Study 3 used three different classes randomly assigned to three groups. Two workshops went for 15 days. Data were collected pre and post intervention. Math Anxiety, Working Memory, CCAQ, STROOP, Mindfulness, Aggression, Emotional Regulation and Reaction time were assessed. Final exam results analysis: Performance on PU Board final exams Mathematics results of two batches were analyzed in detail and compared to those in physics and chemistry. Intervention: The Yogä Präëäyäma group practiced Kapälabhäti, Sectional Breathing, Bhastrikä, Sürya Anuloma, Candra Viloma, Näòé Çuddhi and Bhrämaré over a 30 minutes time period, allowing 5 minutes time for each. After each allotted 5 minute time period, the group was instructed to start performing the next technique. Each workshop ended with Bhrämaré Präëäyäma. Participants of Vedic Maths group solved problems for 30 minutes each day after learning different Vedic Maths techniques using Sütras ‘vertically and crosswise’, ‘transpose and apply’, ‘addition and subtraction’ etc. Vedic Maths group learned skills in Speed Multiplication, Squaring and Cubing Numbers, Multiplication of Algebraic Expressions, Solving Unique Algebraic Equations, Solving Simultaneous Equations, Solving Quadratic Equations, HCF of Equations, Partial Fractions, Problems from Differential and Integral Calculus, Conics, Straight Lines, Determinants, and Binomial Expressions. Subjects in Study 1 Control Group went for jogging during pilot study. Subjects in Control Groups in Studies 2 and 3 attended their regular conventional maths classes.Results Overall findings were that reduction in Math Anxiety was highest in the Vedic Maths groups while improvement in cognitive skills was highest in Yogä Präëäyäma groups. Yogä Präëäyäma practices stimulate thinking patterns improving cognitive skills, and mental processes increasing competitive success. Vedic Maths improves pattern finding skills; they may therefore stimulate mirror neurons and endorphin release. The joy element brought by this could be the reason for reduction in Math Anxiety. More research is needed to determine relative effectiveness of Yogä Präëäyäma and Vedic Maths methods. Conclusions Yogä Präëäyäma methods are effective in enhancing cognitive skills in school students. Vedic Maths methods used along with conventional mathematics teaching is effective in reducing Math Anxiety and improving cognitive flexibility.Item Use of integrated approach of yoga therapy and ayurveda in the management of migraine headache(S-VYASA, 2019) Sharma, Vasudha M.; Nagendra, H. R.Background: There is a rise in the need for Complementary and Integrative medicine to provide long-term healing solutions in non-communicable diseases in general and Migraine Headache in particular. Knowing the limitations of conventional medical approach, the present study therefore evaluated the influence of the two Indian traditional systems of medicine, i.e., Ayurveda and Yoga as an integrative medical intervention. Changes following the use of Ayurveda and Yoga therapy were studied on symptoms, migraine-related disability, perceived stress, autonomic variables, muscle activity and quality of life in patients with migraine headache without aura. Aims and Objective: • To compile and understand the concept of migraine headache according to Ayurveda and Yoga texts. • To scientifically validate the use of Ayurveda and Yoga in the management of migraine headache without aura. Methodology: This study was a Prospective, Open labelled, matched control trial comparing an Ayurveda- Yoga group (AY) with a Control group (CT) on symptomatic conventional treatment. 30 subjects who were recruited to Ayurveda and Yoga (AY) group underwent traditional Pañcakarma (Bio-purification) using Virecana (therapeutic purgation) followed by Yoga therapy, while 30 subjects matched for age and gender belonging to the Control (CT) group continued on symptomatic treatment (NSAID's) for 90 days. The subjects of both groups were administered the Suśruta Prakṛti Inventory on day 1 to understand individual body constitution. A Comprehensive Headache-related Quality of life Questionnaire (CHQQ) and Visual analogue scale (VAS) were administered on day 1 and day 90 of the study. The symptom checklist, migraine disability assessment score, perceived stress, heart rate variability and surface electromyography of Frontalis muscle were measured on Day 1, Day 30 and Day 90 in both groups. Data were analysed using Repeated Measures of ANOVA followed by a post-hoc analysis with Bonferroni correction. Results: Out of the 60 subjects belonging to both groups, 46 (76.6%) had Pitta based Prakṛti either as pravara (primary) or as madhyama (secondary)). Following 90 days of intervention the AY group showed significant reduction in the migraine related symptoms viz., number of attacks, duration of each attack, associated with nausea and vomiting, severity of headache and analgesic requirements. The pain intensity reduced significantly (p<.001). There was a significant reduction in migraine disability and perceived stress scores were seen in AY group (P<.001). The low-frequency component of the heart rate variability decreased significantly, the high-frequency component increased and their ratio showed improved sympatho-vagal balance. The root mean square of the electromyography signal and integral electromyography of the frontalis muscle decreased in the AY group compared to the control group. There was a significant improvement in the total score of headache related Quality of Life (p<.001). Conclusion: An Integrated Yoga therapy and Ayurveda based intervention reduces symptoms, intensity of pain, migraine related disability and perceived stress. It also reduces the sympathetic arousal and muscle tension therefore improving the quality of life in migraine patients.Item EFFECT OF YOGA ON PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH OF CHILDREN WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT(S-VYASA, 2017) Mohanty, SoubhagyalaxmiChildhood visual deficiency impairs children’s neuro-psychomotor development, considerably affecting physical, mental, social, and emotional health. Yoga’s benefits for various aspects of health for sighted children has been substantially supported by the literature. India is leading with one-fifth of blind children worldwide. Yoga’s multi dimensional benefits help to improve their ability to handle many of their challenges. Aim This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of yoga practice on physical and psychological health of children with VI. Objectives The objectives of this study were: a) To develop a special module and accompanying protocol for teaching yoga to children and adolescents with VI b) To determine preferred method of learning c) To develop, validate and assess the feasibility of the said yoga module d) To evaluate the effects of the module on (i) physical health, and (ii) psychological health of children and adolescents with VI. Material and Methods This is a single-blind, waitlist control trial, with two groups matched on age, gender, height, weight and degree of blindness. Eighty three children with VI aged 9–16years were enrolled by convenience sampling from the Ramana Maharishi Academy for the Blind (residential school), Bengaluru. They were divided into two groups: yoga (n = 41) and control (n = 42). The yoga group participated in one hour of yoga practice, five days per week, for 16-weeks while the control group followed their regular activities. The following were assessed as indicators of physical fitness: a) muscle strength, b) endurance, c) flexibility, d) coordination, e) motor speed, f) static and dynamic balance, and g) lung function; and for psychological health: a) depression, b) anxiety, c) self-esteem, and d) working memory. All were evaluated pre and post the 16 week intervention. Data were analyzed using the SPSS-20 (IBM Corporation, USA). Categorical variables were analyzed using Chi square test. Independent samples t’ test was used to assess significance of differences between groups for demographic measures. Repeated measures ANOVAs (time x group) were used to determine significant differences relative to the intervention. Results Demographic characteristics were found to be matched for both the groups. a) Physical fitness Baseline values of the yoga and control groups matched on all variables (p >0.05). Within group analysis found highly significant pre-post intervention improvements (p< 0.001) for the yoga group in all variables except static balance at 20 secs (p = 0.128), i.e. bilateral muscles strength: hand grip strength (HGS), pinch strength, elbow extension and flexion, knee extension and flexion, coordination, finger tapping speed, muscle endurance and flexibility, lung function, and for balance: all trials of dynamic balance, but lesser significance for trials of static balance, 30 sec (p = 0.009) and 40 sec (p = 0.018). In contrast, the control group showed almost no significant within group improvement, i.e. marginally significance in left HGS (p = 0.043) and lung function (p = 0.047), although a significant positive result occurred in motor coordination for both hands (p = 0.005). b) Psychological variables There were no significant differences between groups at baseline. Within group comparisons showed significant improvements (p< 0.001) in yoga group scores on State Trait Anxiety Inventory for children (STAI-C), Children’s Depression Inventory-2 (CDI), Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale and the N-back test; whereas controls showed marginally significant changes in total scores of STAI-C (p = 0.043) and significant changes on CDI (p = 0.008). Conclusion The study suggests that yoga has considerable ability to improve physical and psychological health in children with VI. Results indicate that yoga is effective in promoting health, and may be prescribed to enhance individual psychophysiological performance in visually impaired children and adolescents, possibly as an exercise program within normal curricula.Item DEVELOPMENT OF PERSONALITY MODEL BASED ON TRIGUNA CONCEPT OF SAMKHYA PHILOSOPHY.(S-VYASA, 2019-09) Suresh NABSTRACT BACKGROUND The term personality is derived from the Greek word ‘persona’ which means mask or outward appearance of a person. Personality is generally understood as how people influence others through their external appearances. Personality is a set of qualities that make a person distinct from another. Personality comprises of all the attributes– behavioural, temperamental, emotional and mental– that which makes him or her unique individual. Personality is totality of person’s attitudes, interests, behavioural patterns, emotional responses, social roles, and other individual traits that endure over long periods of time. Gorden Allport (1961) defines “Personality is the dynamic organisation within an individual of those psychological systems that determine his unique adjustment to his environment”. Personality is a complex, multi-dimensional construct and there is no simple definition of what personality is. Maddi (1980) defines personality as, “A stable set of characteristics and tendencies that determine those commonalities and differences in the psychological behaviour and that may not be easily understood as the sole result of the social and biological pressures of the moment". Both the definition suggests that personality is a dynamic aspect of human behaviour. With the increasing realization that many of the western psychological concepts and methods lack relevance to different cultural systems the need for developing indigenous psychologies was recognized all over the world (Kim & Berry, 1973). In India, attempts have been made for almost a century to develop indigenous models and theories from the rich source of knowledge viz., the Vedas, Upaniṣads, the Bhagavad-Gīta and other philosophical texts.In recent times more and more researchers have taken active interest in indigenizing and developing indigenous psychology (Kumar, Misra & Mohanty, 2000; Paranjpe, 1999; Srivastava, 2002). The structure, nature and evolution of human personality are elaborated in these sources with special reference to the concept Triguṇa. The theoretical expositions on Triguṇa and their manifestations in human nature have attracted the attention of Indian psychologists. From the above discussion, Personality is a very complex and multidimensional construct of a human being. There is no common definition of personality has been coined. Every individual defines personality in different ways which includes trait, genetic factors, environmental factors and physical appearance. This research focuses on development of personality model using Triguṇa concept of Sāṁkhya philosophy. Psychometric measurement tool (Questionnaire) which can answer the questions related to the objectives and hypotheses of the study were administered to the target population. This instrument had 36 questions to measure Triguṇa. 1.1 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The review of relevant literature on Triguṇa showed that even though, many studies have been undertaken in this area of personality by both eastern and western countries, few studies still exhibit gaps. Hence there is a need to develop a comprehensive model including both Eastern concept and Western concepts of personality. Thus, the broader objective of this research is to study the holistic model satisfying the fusion of both eastern and western theories.