Effect of yoga on physical fitness in schoolchildren of 6-9 grades

The object of research – the changes in static endurance of core muscles, balance and flexibility of schoolchildren of 6-9 grades. Background – there is noticeable increase of lifestyle chronic conditions in recent times. The best way to fight them is non-invasive treatment and prevention, so physical therapist are in the best position to fill this critical health care niche. Physical activity is one of the best possible prevention. Physical activity is related to sports for majority people, sports are related to injuries and is not acceptable for everyone. People are searching for alternative health promotion ways. Yoga is getting more and more popular in Europe and in Lithuania. Yoga is acknowledged to be beneficial for health. It is necessary to asses effect of yoga on physical fitness in schoolchildren. The aim – assess effect of yoga on physical fitness in schoolchildren of 6-9 grades. Tasks: 1. Assess effect of yoga on static endurance of core muscles and the ratios between them. 2. Assess effect of yoga on balance. 3. Assess effect of yoga on flexibility. 4. Compare the results between groups. Methods: testing (tests for static endurance of core muscles, balance and flexibility). Statistical analysis (SPSS Statistics 17.0 and Microsoft excel were used to make the calculations). Hypothesis: yoga will improve physical fitness of schoolchildren of 6-9 grades. Conclusions: 1. The effect of yoga was statistically meaningful on static endurance of core muscles. The effect of yoga was not statistically meaningful on ratios between static endurance of core muscles in both groups. 2. The effect of yoga was meaningful on balance. 3. The effect of yoga was meaningful on forward bending as well as on side bending. 4. Statistically meaningful difference between groups was found comparing the results of abdomen and back muscles static endurance, the results of balance and forward bending