The Benefits of Yoga in the Classroom: A Mixed-Methods Approach to the Effects of Poses and Breathing and Relaxation Techniques.

BACKGROUND: Disadvantaged youth in the United States are disproportionately likely to be more sedentary and obese and experience more stress than their counterparts with higher socioeconomic status. Yoga and breathing and relaxation techniques have positive effects on stress levels, physical activity levels, and behavior of school-aged children. AIMS: Using social cognitive theory to examine behavioral, personal, and environmental factors, the purpose of this pilot study was to examine the multilevel influences of a yoga-based classroom intervention on urban youth. METHODS: Using a mixed methodological quasi-experimental design, this pilot study included the third grade students (n = 40) at one urban elementary school. A survey contained stress, yoga behavior, and aggression scales. In addition, individual student interviews, a teacher interview, and classroom observations were conducted. RESULTS: Paired and independent sample t-tests showed pre/post differences in yoga participation both in and out of school for the intervention participants (P < 0.01). Qualitative analysis revealed three main themes: (1) increased use and enjoyment of yoga techniques, (2) behavioral changes both in/out of school, and (3) impact on personal factors. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that urban classrooms should include yoga and mindfulness training as it contributes to daily student PA and also can be stress relieving, fun, calming, and easy to perform outside of school.

Access to primary care child weight management programs: Urban parent barriers and facilitators to participation.

The prevalence and comorbidities of childhood obesity among low-income urban children are a significant health issue in the United States. Programs designed to assist families are underutilized. The aim of this study is to describe barriers and facilitators relevant to intervention program participation from the perspective of parents who have children who are overweight or obese. Systematic thematic analysis of focus groups and semi-structured interviews with parents from multiple urban pediatrics and family medicine practices were used to gather data. A framework analysis approach was used and a codebook of themes was developed. Transcripts were coded independently by the research team and consensus among researchers was reached. Forty-eight parents participated in the study. Perceived barriers to participation included (1) varied referral process (lack of follow-up or varying referral experience), (2) costs (time and program fee), (3) logistics (location and program schedule), and (4) child motivation. Perceived facilitators to participation included (1) systematic referral process (in-office referral and timely follow-up), (2) program content and organization, and (3) no cost. Multiple barriers and facilitators affect weight management program participation among families, which should be specifically targeted in future obesity interventions in order to effectively reach urban, minority parents and children.