Date of Graduation

5-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Kinesiology (MS)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Health, Human Performance and Recreation

Advisor/Mentor

Lirgg, Cathy D.

Committee Member

Caldwell, Nicolette

Second Committee Member

Howie-Hickey, Erin K.

Keywords

Mobility disability; Sedentarism; Single-case design; Step count; Yoga

Abstract

While walking is a widely accessible form of exercise that is highly effective at increasing overall wellness (Kadir et al., 2019; Zhao et al., 2015) and is a recommended form of physical activity for overweight and obese individuals, studies still indicate low step counts and levels of physical activity in people with obesity (Shultz et al., 2011). Sedentary overweight individuals may avoid walking for several reasons, including physiological and/or biomechanical factors that make walking more difficult. This study attempted to explore and address these avoidant behaviors by employing a single-case ABAB reversal design to implement bi-weekly gentle yoga sessions over several months. The goal of the experiment was to determine whether gentle, adaptive yoga that focused on body awareness, breath control, and postural balance would lead to an increase in incidental daily steps taken by a sedentary, obese adult male. This study was incomplete due to participant attrition, and no changes in step count were found. While the study’s limitations were consistent with a null hypothesis regarding direct impact of intervention on daily step count, collected data yielded valuable information regarding the participant’s needs, responsibilities, limitations, self-awareness, and habits.

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