Reflections of Yoga Practice on the Physical Performance of Obese Students

Abstract

Introduction: Yoga practice is an activity recently implemented in the content of school physical education to guide students to participate actively in sports activities. Its impacts on the body and psychological health of students are constantly evaluated. Objective: Study the effect of yoga practice on the heart rate and cardiopulmonary capacity of obese students. Methods: 40 obese students from a high school were selected as volunteers for the experiment, randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group, with no change in location or duration of intervention between the groups. The students in the control group participated in regular school activities during physical education classes, while the experimental group performed yoga training during the same schedule. The duration was eight weeks. Results: After the experiment, the heart rate and lung function indexes of the students in the experimental group showed a statistical increase, without significant weight changes, but body fat and visceral fat were reduced, with improvement in their body composition and muscle lines. Conclusion: Yoga practice reflected a positive effect on the physical performance of obese students, positively impacting on heart rate and cardiopulmonary resistance of the students. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.