An Evaluation of Yoga and Meditation to Improve Attention, Hyperactivity, and Stress in High-School Students

Abstract

Objective: Problems with attention and stress are common in children and predict academic difficulties and other behavioral and emotional problems. Mind-body interventions such as yoga and meditation improve attention and reduce stress. In this study, we examined the impact of Hatha yoga on attention and stress in ninth graders. Design: A total of 174 ninth graders from a Texas high school were enrolled in the study. Teachers assigned students to a yoga group (YG) or control group (CG) based on their class schedule. The YG participated in 25-min Hatha yoga classes twice weekly over 12 weeks (n = 123). The CG included 51 students. Student self-reports on measures of inattention and hyperactivity (the strengths and weaknesses of ADHD [attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder] symptoms and normal behavior rating scale for ADHD) and stress (perceived stress scale) were obtained at baseline and at 12 weeks. Results: There were no significant differences in baseline levels of inattention (p = 0.86), hyperactivity (p = 0.25), and perceived stress (p = 0.28) between the YG and CG. Regarding inattention scores, there was a significant interaction of group and time (b =-1.09, standard error [SE] = 0.30, p < 0.001). Pairwise t-tests showed a significant reduction in inattention for the YG (d = 0.27) but a significant increase in inattention for the CG. Regarding hyperactivity, there was no significant interaction of group and time (b =-0.43, SE = 0.26, p = 0.1). Pairwise t-tests demonstrated a significant reduction in hyperactivity for the YG (d = 0.22), but not the CG. The interaction of group and time was not significant in predicting the slope of change in perceived distress (b =-0.93, SE = 1.19, p = 0.43). Pairwise t-tests did not show a significant reduction in perceived distress for either group. Conclusion: These findings suggest that Hatha yoga may improve attention and hyperactivity in high school students.

Scoping Review of Yoga in Schools: Mental Health and Cognitive Outcomes in Both Neurotypical and Neurodiverse Youth Populations

“…Table 4 details the findings relating to 48 studies, 37 experimental [ 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 , 79 , 80 , 81 , 82 , 83 , 84 , 85 , 86 , 87 , 88 , 89 ], 7 qualitative [ 90 , 91 , 92 , 93 , 94 , 95 , 96 ] and 4 mixed [ 97 , 98 , 99 , 100 ] methods that included neurotypical youth populations. Yoga classes varied in length from 10–120 min.…”

“…Neurotypical youth populations totalled 81% of the study samples. Of these studies, 40% [ 58 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 71 , 76 , 77 , 79 , 81 , 82 , 84 , 85 , 93 , 94 , 95 , 96 , 97 , 98 , 100 ] reported on both cognitive and mental health outcomes, 31% [ 56 , 57 , 59 , 60 , 69 , 72 , 75 , 78 , 80 , 87 , 88 , 89 , 91 , 92 , 99 ] assessed just cognitive outcomes and 29% [ 53 , 54 , 55 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 67 , 70 , 71 , 73 , 74 , 83 , 90 ] on mental health alone.…”

“…Existing evidence suggests that yoga interventions may increase attention of youth populations in school, with all 15 studies with an attention measurement reporting improvements [ 44 , 51 , 57 , 60 , 66 , 69 , 75 , 80 , 84 , 85 , 92 , 93 , 94 , 95 , 100 ]. Experimental evidence from trial designs found significant improvements on attention compared to control [ 57 , 60 , 66 , 69 , 80 ]. Conversely, one study [ 85 ] found improvements but not at a statistically significant level.…”

A Systematic Review of Yoga and Meditation for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children

“…Saxena et al conducted a trial in 2020 that included 174 children 14 to 15 years old [14]. The purpose was to evaluate the effect of Hatha yoga on ADHD symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and distress.…”

“…The recommendation is that additional studies with more participants and an active control group are necessary to better assess yoga’s effect on symptoms in children with ADHD [ 11 ]. Saxena et al conducted a trial in 2020 that included 174 children 14 to 15 years old [ 14 ]. The purpose was to evaluate the effect of Hatha yoga on ADHD symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and distress.…”