Effect of short duration integrated classroom yoga module on physical fitness, cognitive performance, emotional well being and personality characteristic measures of school children

Abstract

Two themes in children’s education have received a great deal of attention in the last few decades. One concerns the stresses children face, leading to a high prevalence of child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) issues. The other is a disturbing trend in dysfunctional youth behavior. These themes have led thinkers to advocate giving weightage to social emotional learning (SEL), educating the whole child and focusing on character education along with academic knowledge. This thinking reflects, to a large extent, the Indian ethos of education, as articulated by thinkers like Swami Vivekananda and J Krishnamurti, and, as seen in the ancient Indian gurukula system of education. The present study hypothesized that the purpose of equipping children with the power of concentration, SEL and good character may be well served by meaningfully integrating yoga with education. Its purpose was threefold: 1. To build a theoretical model of yoga in education based on ancient yogic knowledge and modern scientific research. 2. To develop and validate a school-based short duration Integrated Classroom Yoga Module (ICYM). The present study observed that though schools were aware of the benefits of yoga, most had either not incorporated yoga in the school curriculum or had done so sub-optimally, usually one class a week. The reasons ranged from lack of time, a packed schedule and the need for resources like yoga rooms, yoga mats and trained yoga instructors. An efficacious short duration ICYM could potentially overcome such challenges and pave the way for yoga’s inclusion in the daily schedule. 3. To provide empirical evidence of the effect of the short duration ICYM on physical fitness, cognitive performance, emotional well-being and personality characteristic measures of school children through a methodologically rigorous study.