Abstract
Objective: Little is known about the benefits of yoga for pediatric obesity, and no studies have examined the benefits of yoga for physical activity in either adults or children. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine whether Hatha yoga would improve overall, physical and psychosocial functioning in youth with severe obesity. We also sought to determine whether participants would increase the vigor of, and time spent in, physical activity. Methods: This study utilized a pre-test/post-test design. Sixteen youth with severe obesity completed an 8 week Hatha yoga intervention involving fifteen, 60-minute classes. Physical and psychosocial functioning, fitness and state-anxiety were assessed at baseline and post-intervention; parents completed proxy-reports of physical and psychosocial functioning at both time points. To assess physical activity, participants wore an Actical Accelerometer for 7 days pre and post-yoga. Results: Significant improvements were found in: Overall, Physical and Psychosocial functioning, back and hamstring flexibility, and state-anxiety. Changes in the proportion of time spent in both light and moderate levels of physical activity were marginally significant. Although 3 tests of fitness, and time spent in physical activity did not improve significantly, trends were in the expected direction. Conclusions: Youth with severe obesity may benefit from a Hatha yoga intervention. Yoga may also offer a way to engage in physical activity that is not precluded by bodily pain.
Highlights
MethodsSixteen youth with severe obesity completed an 8 week Hatha yoga intervention involving fifteen, 60-minute classes
Pediatric obesity is associated with functional impairments and disability
The Body Mass Index (BMI) for all participants was above the 95th percentile for age and gender [26]
Summary
Sixteen youth with severe obesity completed an 8 week Hatha yoga intervention involving fifteen, 60-minute classes. Fitness and state-anxiety were assessed at baseline and post-intervention; parents completed proxy-reports of physical and psychosocial functioning at both time points. Participants wore an Actical Accelerometer for 7 days pre and post-yoga. The yoga classes were capped at a maximum of 20 students to allow for individualized instruction; this study included 2 separate waves. Care was taken to ensure that physical activity (PA) assessments took place during the active school year. The NEW Kids (Nutrition, Exercise, and Weight management) Program provides multidisciplinary care for children 2-18 years old with obesity-related medical comorbidities. Referral criteria for the program include a BMI ≥ 95th percentile and at least a medical comorbidity [16]
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