Exploring associations between group yoga participation over time, psycho-social variables and exercise adherence
Year: 2012
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background Physical inactivity is a serious issue among the American public.The impact of yoga on exercise adherence has not been investigated.Primary Study Objective To assess the relationship between yoga participation over time and adherence to exercise and other health-related behaviors. Study Design Exploratory design, mixed methods.Setting Yoga studios and fitness facilities across central New Jersey Participants 87 men and women who participate in yoga regularly defined as at least once per week on a regular basis.Outcome Measures Participants self-selected to complete survey packets at their yoga establishments.The primary outcome variable measured was exercise adherence using a 7 -Day Physical Activity Recall.The secondary measures included exercise self efficacy using the Multidimensional Self-efficacy for Exercise Scale, general well-being measured with the General Well-being Schedule, Mindful Eating using the Mindful Eating Questionnaire, group cohesion using the Group Environment Questionnaire.Two open ended questions were posed to understand yoga participant's perceptions of yoga and their health-related behaviors including exercise adherence. ResultsThe analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between yoga tenure and exercise adherence, r =.22, p< .02.In addition, participants reported a mean of 239 minutes of weekly exercise other than yoga participation.A significant difference was found in mindful eating score relative to yoga tenure, F= 3.633, P < .03and vegetable and fruit intake relative to yoga tenure, F = 4.527, P < .01.Mindful eating score was inversely correlated with Body Mass Index (BMI) r = -.185,p< .04.Further analysis revealed that 72% of the yoga participants had a BMI of 24.9 or less.Qualitative data revealed that the participants felt yoga enhanced their exercise adherence and promoted the adoption of positive health habits.Conclusion Yoga participation over time is associated with the adherence to exercise and the adoption and maintenance of other health-related behaviors.The findings suggest that group yoga participation may be an affective mind/body intervention in the fight against physical inactivity also impacting health behaviors.
Author: Stephanie Bryan
Language: English
Topic: Physical Activity and Health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W54524792