Thesis (M. Ed.) -- University of Alberta, 2010. / "A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education in Counselling Psychology, Educational Psychology, University of Alberta." Title from pdf file main screen (viewed on May 14, 2010) Includes bibliographical references.

<p>Abstract </p><p>The core is the center of gravity in our body. Injuries and overload in the joints, is the most common reason for not be able to work in Sweden today. A god strength capacity in the core is important for secure and effective movements, as well for active athletes, as for non athletes. The increased number of employees, who report in sick today, has been correlated with psychological bad health. New methods to deal with mental and physical health problems among people can indicate to the fact that Yoga in the western world has increased its members, due its spiritual and physical recognition in favor of well being. The purpose with this study was to examine the effect of yoga practice on isometrics muscular strength endurance in the core, and if the mental and physical general health has been effected after 8 weeks of yoga classes twice a week. The method has a quantitative and qualitative approach. Fourteen health female subjects, ranging in age from 32 to 60 years old, were studied. The subjects were evaluated before and after the training program in three test positions for core isometric endurance. There was improvement for all the subjects, in all three tests positions together. The subject’s isometric endurance average improved with 29 %. All subjects reported improvement in physical and mental function after the yogic practices. These findings indicate that regular yoga practice can elicit improvements in isometric endurance in the core, and facilitate mental and physical well being for the subjects.</p>

Abstract The core is the center of gravity in our body. Injuries and overload in the joints, is the most common reason for not be able to work in Sweden today. A god strength capacity in the core is important for secure and effective movements, as well for active athletes, as for non athletes. The increased number of employees, who report in sick today, has been correlated with psychological bad health. New methods to deal with mental and physical health problems among people can indicate to the fact that Yoga in the western world has increased its members, due its spiritual and physical recognition in favor of well being. The purpose with this study was to examine the effect of yoga practice on isometrics muscular strength endurance in the core, and if the mental and physical general health has been effected after 8 weeks of yoga classes twice a week. The method has a quantitative and qualitative approach. Fourteen health female subjects, ranging in age from 32 to 60 years old, were studied. The subjects were evaluated before and after the training program in three test positions for core isometric endurance. There was improvement for all the subjects, in all three tests positions together. The subject’s isometric endurance average improved with 29 %. All subjects reported improvement in physical and mental function after the yogic practices. These findings indicate that regular yoga practice can elicit improvements in isometric endurance in the core, and facilitate mental and physical well being for the subjects.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the psychophysiological effects of exercise on measures of cardiovascular fitness, depression, self-esteem, and anxiety. The 1.5 mile run (Cooper, 1972) was used to determine changes in cardiovascular fitness. The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale was used to measure varying levels of depression. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale was used to measure self-esteem. The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was used to measure state anxiety. An Electromyographic Assay and Digital Skin Temperature were performed on the Experimental and Corrective Therapy Groups in order to measure physiological concomitants of anxiety. A Body Composition Assay was performed in order to measure changes in body composition.