Effects of Hatha Yoga on Flexibility of Shoulder, Core Back and Lower Backamong Overweight College Students

Abstract

Engaging in fitness for health purposes is a boon. It is the trait that allows an individual to do daily responsibilities effectively and proficiently. Flexibility is a crucial component of health-related fitness. The primary objective of this study was to assess the benefits of hatha yoga training on the lower back, core back extension, and shoulder flexibility in overweight college students. Twenty-five volunteers aged 20 to 24 were selected for the study using the PAR-Q. The sit-and-reach test, back extension, and shoulder elevation were employed to gather pre-test data on dependent variables. The participants underwent a ten-week Hatha yoga regimen, practicing three days each week on alternating days. Subsequent to therapy, post-test data on dependent variables were gathered utilizing the identical methods employed for pre-test data collection. The subjects' data from before and after collection were aggregated. The data was analyzed, employing the mean, standard deviation, and paired sample t-tests. A significance level of 0.05 was established. Data analysis and observations revealed that hatha yoga training markedly enhances flexibility in the shoulders, core back, and lower back among overweight college students. Overweight students are advised to engage in hatha yoga to enhance their overall health and fitness.

Key word: Hatha yoga, Shoulder, Core back, Lower back, Overweight