Date of Graduation

5-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Nursing

Advisor/Mentor

Shreve, Marilou

Abstract

With childhood obesity rates rising across the country, promoting physical fitness is more important than ever. Today’s children are developing increasingly sedentary behavior. The average American elementary age child spends their day at school and the classroom is a source of the progressively sedentary behavior. Compounding the problem, schools are reducing the time allotted for physical education and recess, which means more time is spent sitting at a desk in the classroom. A rising number of children are reporting feelings of stress and anxiety, which may be alleviated by a physical activity such as yoga. Yoga may be an efficient method to increase physical activity and improve overall health. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of ten minutes of daily yoga on physical fitness of students in kindergarten through third grade. The researchers conducted a quantitative analysis of the differences between physical fitness before and after exposure to a program entitled “Yoga for Kids”. Participants completed the Eurofit Test at the beginning, middle, and completion of 16-weeks of ten minutes of daily yoga. Results showed no significant improvement in the sit and reach, sit ups, left flamingo, and left handgrip. There was a significant improvement in the broad jump during the first eight weeks; however, there was minimal improvement from the eight-week mark to the conclusion of the study. The hypothesis was rejected. Further research should be conducted to determine what amount of time could make a meaningful impact on the physical fitness of the elementary school student.

Keywords

Yoga; Physical Fitness; Elementary Schools

Download

Included in

Other Nursing Commons

Share

COinS