TITLE: Influence of yoga on the attention of preschool children AUTHOR: Bc. Veronika Volfová DEPARTMENT: Department of Physical Education SUPERVISOR: Mgr. et. Mgr. Zdeňka Engelthalerová ABSTRACT: This thesis aims to determine whether regular yoga exercises of preschool children influence the progress of their attention positively. The thesis is divided in two parts. The theoretical part starts with the definition of preschool age and the introduction of the principles, effects, and meaning of yoga exercises. Further, it explains the term attention and states options of its influencing and outcomes of already performed research in this area. The practical part offers the results of quantitative research that observed the relationship between yoga exercises and children's attention. The research had the form of an experiment, i.e. with the collaboration of an experimental group, which participated in yoga exercises, and a control group with no yoga exercises. The attention level of children from both groups was determined by means of two attention tests both before the exercise set and afterwards. Although the attention level has improved with both groups, the research results show a more distinctive improvement with the experimental group. KEYWORDS: Yoga - Preschool child - Attention - Concentration -...

This diploma thesis researches the effect of yoga group exercising on children diagnosed with developmental coordination disorder. The theoretical part provides an overview of knowledge about the developmental coordination disorder, it mentions the issue with nomenclature and summarizes the options of treatment. It also deals with yoga, especially it's use as a form of therapy for wide range of diagnosis in adults as well as in children population. The aim of the practical part was to find out if there is any improvement in motor and other abilities after group exercising of yoga. Children were examined by Movement Assessment Battery for Children 2 and by selected subtests from Sensory Integration and Praxis test, specifically Postural Praxis, Bilateral Motor Coordination, Postrotary Nystagmus, Manual Form Perception and Localization of Tactile Stimuli. Parents of children filled Short Sensory Profile and Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire. The study demonstrated improvement in MABC-2 test results, specifically in Aiming and Catching and Balance subtests. There was also significant improvement in these subtests of Sensory Integration and Praxis test: Postural Praxis, Bilateral Motor Coordination and Localization of Tactile Stimuli. Both questionnaires did not show any improvement.

This thesis contains a critical edition, translation and study of the Amanaska, which is a medieval Sanskrit yoga text of one hundred and ninety-eight verses in two chapters (adhyāya). Seventy-five manuscripts have been consulted for this edition and thirty-two were selected for the full collation on the basis of stemmatic analysis on a sample collation of all the manuscripts. The critical apparatus contains references to parallel verses in other works and the notes to the translation provide further information on the content, terminology and obscure passages of the text by citing other Sanskrit works, in particular, earlier Tantras and medieval yoga texts, as well as a Nepalese commentary on the Amanaska. The first part of the Introduction contains a summary of the text and an examination of the colophons of all the available manuscripts in order to establish the proper titles of the text and each of the chapters. Unlike previous editors, I have adopted the title Amanaska because it is found in the great majority of manuscript colophons. The title of previous printed editions, Amanaskayoga, appears to derive from nineteenth-century manuscript catalogues. The authorship of the text has been discussed in light of the claim made in recent Indian scholarship that it was written by Gorakṣanātha, the pupil of Matysendranātha. I conclude that the author is unknown. Discrepancies between the chapters, in particular, various incongruities in content and differences in the limits of dating, strongly suggest that both chapters were originally composed as separate works. Unlike previous editions, this one is based on the north-Indian recension. There is evidence that the north-Indian recension has preserved a more coherent version of the first chapter. The additional verses of the south-Indian recension have been edited and included separately in appendix A. The first part of the Introduction also includes fourteen sections on the content of the Amanaska. The first six of these sections are on absorption (laya), the practice of eliminating reality levels (tattva) and Layayoga, and the following sections cover yogic powers (siddhi), Śāmbhavī Mudrā, the term amanaska and the Amanaska's known sources for verses on the no-mind state. The final section called, 'Amanaska: the Effortless Leap to Liberation' examines the salient teachings of the Amanaska in light of previous ascetic, yogic and tantric traditions, in an attempt to answer questions about whom its intended audience may have been and its place within India's history of yoga. The first part of the Introduction concludes with a discussion of yoga texts which have been either directly or indirectly influenced by the Amanaska. Seeing that many of these texts have not been critically edited or translated, I have discussed their date of composition and their content in addition to the material that derives from the Amanaska. The second part of the Introduction provides essential details on the seventy-four manuscripts consulted for this edition, brief comments on the shortcomings of the previous printed editions and an explanation of the editing methodology. The recensions of the text are discussed in this section as well as my editorial policy. The critical edition and translation of the Amanaska are presented together. Each Sanskrit verse is followed by the translation and its critical apparatus is at the bottom of the page. The endnotes to each verse are located at the end of its respective chapter. Appendices B-E include four stemmatic diagrams along with brief descriptions of each hyparchetype, a list of symbols and abbreviations and an outline of the conventions used in the critical apparatus.

This present case study is exploring whether an Education for Sustainable Development initiative, as exemplified by the South African Earthchild Project (ECP), which is focused on yoga, environmental education and hiking, can empower children and enhance their agency to become agents of change for Sustainable Development. With empowerment and agency theories as a backdrop, a quasi-experimental design is adopted. A drawing method is used in combination with follow-up interviews with an experimental group (children exposed to ECP) and a control group (children not exposed to ECP). Additional data were collected by a focus group session, semi-structured interviews and participant observation. These additional sources are youth who have been members of ECP for numerous years. The findings of this research suggest that that children and youth who are exposed to ECP’s activities are more empowered and have more agency in terms of Sustainable Development than those who are not exposed. Taking into account the study’s limitations and imperfections, it can be concluded that ECP, using an ESD-inspired approach, is meeting its intended objectives.

O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar os efeitos da prática da ioga na freqüência cardíaca, na variabilidade da freqüência cardíaca e na freqüência respiratória. Foram estudados praticantes de ioga (IOGA, n = 8) e não praticantes controles (CT, n = 8) com idade entre 30 e 45 anos. Dois sub-grupos de quatro indivíduos cada, com atividade física regular foram também comparados (IOGAativ e CTativ). Os participantes realizaram prática de asanas (IOGA) ou simulação (CT) precedidos e sucedidos por relaxamento, sendo registrados (20 min) o eletrocardiograma e respirograma antes e após os asanas ou simulação. A freqüência cardíaca foi menor no grupo IOGA comparado ao CT (58,9 ± 6,6 e 64,3 ± 5,6 bpm) e no grupo IOGAativ comparado ao CTativ (55,0 ± 3,6 e 63,2 ± 5,5 bpm). Não foram encontradas diferenças na freqüência respiratória. O intervalo de pulso (IP) foi maior no grupo IOGA (1036,0 ± 111,2 ms) comparado ao CT (943,9 ± 85,3 ms) e IOGAativ (1101,6 ± 72,6 ms) comparado ao CTativ (957,8 ± 92,6 ms). Também o desvio padrão do IP foi maior no grupo IOGA (68,8 ± 22,8 ms) comparado ao CT (51,1 ± 21,7 ms) e grupo IOGAativ (77,8 ± 14,1 ms) comparado ao CTativ (41,5 ± 17,8 ms). A potência espectral do IP foi maior no grupo IOGAativ comparada ao CTativ na faixa de muito baixa freqüência (2157,3 ± 1159,4 vs. 876,0 ± 989,4 ms2) e maior nas faixas de baixa (1523,7 ± 964,6 vs. 494,7 ± 417,1 ms2) e alta freqüências (1684,4 ± 847,9 vs. 462,6 ± 375,1 ms2) comparando-se os valores obtidos após os asanas ou simulação. Os resultados sugerem que a combinação de exercícios físicos e ioga pode aumentar os benefícios destes à saúde. / The objective of this work is to evaluate the effects of yoga practice in heart rate (HR), HR variability and respiratory rate using spectral analysis. We compared yoga students (IOGA, n = 8) with non-practicing controls (CT, n = 8), between 30 and 45 years of age. These groups were subdivided in two subgroups (n = 4) having regular practice of physical activities besides yoga (IOGAactiv and CTactiv). The participants practiced the yoga asanas (IOGA) or physical simulation (CT) preceded and succeeded by relaxation, after which the electrocardiogram and respirogram was recorded for 20 min. Heart rate was lower in IOGA when compared to CT (58,9 ± 6,6 vs. 64,3 ± 5,6 bpm) and in IOGAactiv compared to CTactiv (55,0 ± 3,6 vs. 63,2 ± 5,5 bpm). No diferences in respiratory rate were found between groups. Pulse interval (PI) was higher in IOGA when compared to CT (1036,0 ± 111,2 vs. 943,9 ± 85,3 ms) and IOGAactiv compared to CTactiv (1101,6 ± 72,6 vs. 957,8 ± 92,6 ms). Standard deviation of pulse interval was greater in IOGA when compared to CT (68,8 ± 22,8 vs. 51,1 ± xix 21,7 ms) and IOGAactiv compared to CTactiv (77,8 ± 14,1 vs. 41,5 ± 17,8 ms). The spectral power of the PI was higher in the IOGAactiv group in relation to the CTactiv in the bands of very low (2157,3 ± 1159,4 vs. 876,0 ± 989,4 ms2) and in the band of low (1523,7 ± 964,6 vs. 494,7 ± 417,1 ms2) and high frequency (1684,4 ± 847,9 vs. 462,6 ± 375,1 ms2) after the practice of yoga asanas. These results suggest that combination of physical exercises and yoga may increase their healthy benefits.

The diploma thesis deals with the analysis of contemporary marketing mix of advertising and event company Poring and studio Viara which is focused on physical activities and healthy lifestyle. The thesis defines theoretical knowledge related to the topic, analysis of the marketing environment of the monitored company, its competition and current situation in the given market environment. At the same time, the thesis contains suggestions for optimizing the marketing mix which should ensure improvement of the competitive position of the monitored company on the market.

Women’s mortality rate in the United States has increased in almost every age group in the past several years. However, more women in the United States are choosing yoga as a complementary health approach to improve general well-being. Thus, research on yoga and other factors that affect women’s health in the United States may inform public health initiatives to address the health disparities in women’s mortality rates. Grounded in the health belief model, the purpose of this study was to explore whether the factors of practicing the components of yoga, doctor’s recommendation for increased physical activity, body mass index (BMI) categories, hypertension, high cholesterol, age, and occupation predicted the self-rated health of women. This cross-sectional, secondary analysis of the 2017 National Health Interview Survey included 14,464 female respondents, and ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to examine the data. The results showed that self-reported participation in yoga, breathing as a part of yoga, and meditation as a part of yoga was associated with higher self-rated health. Additionally, participants with healthy weight BMI, teachers, and participants who did not receive recommendations for increased physical activity and did not have hypertension or high cholesterol were more likely to report better self-rated health. Based on the results of this study, public health researchers may continue to explore the effects of yoga on women and how a yoga-based population health intervention could help women in the United States live longer and healthier lives.

The purpose of this present study was to assess the feasibility and determine the potential short-term efficacy of implementing a specific 9-week “Yoga for Rowers” (ROWGA) program on male varsity rowers during a competitive training season. Sixteen competitive male varsity rowers (20.6 ± 2.1 years) were recruited to participate, using a single group, pre-test-post-test, quasi-experimental research design. All participants performed two 60 min ROWGA sessions per week for 9 weeks during their fall competitive season. The primary objectives were to test the efficacy of a ROWGA program in a real-world context by evaluating: 1) the feasibility of implementing the program during the training and competitive season as measured by program adherence; 2) its potential effect on strength by evaluating hip muscle strength acting in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes as well as on hip muscle strength ratios between the agonist versus antagonist muscle groups; and 3) its potential effect on hip flexion range of motion (ROM). Two pre-test baseline measurements were performed on all participants over 1- week prior to initiating the ROWGA sessions while a single post-test was conducted following the ROWGA intervention. Intraclass correlation coefficients for ROM and strength were used to determine reliability of measurements by taking the two pre-intervention test scores. Outcome measures included hip flexion range of motion, peak isometric hip muscle forces normalized to body weight, including hip flexors, extensors, abductors, adductors, both internal and external rotators as well as peak isometric agonist-antagonist hip muscle strength ratios. Pre and post peak isometric hip strength measurements were calculated for agonist-antagonist muscle groups within each plane by dividing flexors by extensors, adductors by abductors, and internal by external rotators. Feasibility of the ROWGA program was determined from program attendance and adherence rates. The adherence rate was considered high with 89% attending all sessions, after adjusting for compulsory competitions. Significant improvements in peak isometric strength were demonstrated for hip flexors, extensors, abductors, and adductors, and external rotators, while a significant reduction for hip flexion ROM was observed. No significant changes in isometric hip muscle strength agonist-antagonist ratios were demonstrated. The results from this research support the feasibility of the ROWGA program in terms of rower’s acceptance, adherence, and the ability to accommodate the time requirements within their schedule as well as potential strength benefits gained. This research could help provide a platform for future large-scale research related to injury prevention in rowing. / Graduate / 2021-04-06

Introduktion: I dagens samhälle är många människor fysiskt inaktiva och deras tillvaro präglas av ökad stress. Yoga kombinerar fysisk aktivitet med medvetenhet och mental balans. Idag förknippas yogan som en träningsform, en metod för avkoppling och en levnadsfilosofi. MediYoga är en kvalitetssäkrad yogaform som tillhör den implementerade yogan inom bland annat primärvården. En holistisk träning för ökad rörlighet, flexibilitet och styrka men som även lugnar sinnet. Konkreta metoder som dessa behövs för att förändra Sveriges största folkhälsa problem, stress. Syfte: Syftet med studien var att utforska om yoga kan minska stress, motivera till ökad fysisk aktivitet och därmed främja deltagarnas välbefinnande. Metod: För att besvara studiens forskningsfrågor och syfte har en deskriptiv analys tillämpats baserat på en kvalitativ inblick. Rekrytering av deltagare som sökt sig till primärvården på grund av stressrelaterad problematik intervjuades i syfte att analysera deras uttalanden. Målsättningen för studien är att genom intervjuer kartlägga respondenternas berättelser för att möjligen besvara om de upplever minskad stress och förbättrad fysisk aktivitet. Resultat: Övergripande upplevde deltagarna att deras stressnivåer reducerats, dels under pågående MediYoga program, dels efter avslutad tidsperiod. Det framkom att respondenterna upplevde sig ha förbättrat sin fysiska styrka, vilket finns stöd i MediYogans koncept, som är vetenskapligt utformat för att stärka patienters fysiska styrka genom fysisk aktivitet. Respondenterna upplevde ökad självkännedom och glädje, samt en känsla av samhörighet vilket påverkat deras sätt att se på vardagslivet. MediYogan upplevdes förändra respondenternas tankeverksamhet vilket medförde en positiv inverkan på deras psykiska välmående. Ökad medvetenhet och förändrad tankeverksamhet har blivit viktiga verktyg för att hantera stress som indirekt påverkat deras psykiska hälsa. Slutsats: MediYogan upplevdes som en värdefull implementering. Att utöva yoga kan utgöra ett alternativ till att förbättra människans psykiska- och fysiska hälsa, reducera stressnivåer men tvivelaktigt motivera till fortsatt ökad motivation till träning. Däremot är yoga i sig en fysisk aktivitet som upplevdes positiv av respondenterna. / Introduction: In today's society, many people are physically inactive, and their lives are characterized by increased stress. Yoga combines physical activity with awareness and mental balance. Today, yoga is associated as a form of exercise, a method of relaxation and a philosophy of life. MediYoga is a quality assured form of yoga that belongs to the implemented yoga in primary care, among other things. A holistic training for increased mobility, flexibility, and strength but which also calms the mind is important in today´s society. Concrete methods are needed to change Sweden's biggest public health problem, stress. Aim: The aim of the study was to explore whether yoga can reduce stress, motivate increased physical activity and thus promote participants' well-being. Method: To draw a conclusion, the study examined participants who were recruited after applying for primary care due to stress-related problems. A descriptive analysis is applied based on a qualitative insight into how the respondents ‘statements through interviews, in order to possibly answer whether they experience reduced stress and improved physical activity. Results: The participants experienced their stress levels have been reduced, both during the ongoing MediYoga program and after the end of the trail period. It appears that the respondents feel that they have improved their physical strength, which is supported by MediYoga's concept, which is scientifically designed to strengthen patients' physical strength through physical activity. The respondents experience increased self-awareness and joy, as well as a sense of belonging, which has affected their way of looking at everyday life. The respondents reported that MediYogan has changed their thinking patterns, which has a positive impact on their mental well-being. Increased awareness and changed thinking have become important tools for dealing with stress that has indirectly affected their mental health. Conclusion: MediYogan was perceived as a valuable implementation. Practicing yoga can be an alternative to improving human mental and physical health, reducing stress levels and undoubtedly motivating increased motivation for exercise. On the other hand, yoga is in itself a physical activity that is experienced positively by the respondents.

Intro: Skolios definieras som en 3-dimensionell deviation av ryggraden, det krävs en Cobbvinkel på minst 10 grader för att diagnostiseras. Idiopatisk skolios är när orsaken är okänd. Korsett och PSSE (physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercise) har visat sig vara de konservativa behandlingsmetoder som visat sig vara mest effektiv. Andra konservativa behandlingsmetoder som används är styrketräning, yoga/ pilates, stretching, massage, akupunktur, EMS, Alexandertekniken samt mobilisering/manipulation. Syfte: Undersöka vilka konservativa behandlingsmetoder som är vanligt förekommande bland personer med idiopatisk skolios i Sverige, undersöka hur nöjda deltagarna är med respektive behandling samt undersöka om det finns samband mellan behandlingsmetod och kön, topografi samt magnitud av skolios. Trender som refereras till i titeln syftar på ovan nämnda eventuella samband. Metod: Enkätundersökning via Google formulär för personer som är medlem i Svenska Skoliosföreningens Facebook sida. Krav på deltagande var; diagnostiserade med idiopatisk skolios, >18 år, utförd konservativ behandling/ar för sin skolios. Analys av data gjord i Jamovi version 2.2.3. Resultat: Korsett var den vanligaste konservativa behandlingsmetoden, 35 av 46 hade använt det. Massage var deltagarna mest nöjda med, av 22 var 68,2% nöjda. Mest missnöjd med var deltagarna som använt korsett, av 35 var 42,9% missnöjda. En association sågs mellan korsett och magnitud på skoliosen (p=.002). Ingen analys kunde göras på sambandet mellan behandlingsmetod och kön då en överrepresentation av kvinnor fanns hos deltagarna. Slutsats: För att dra större slutsatser kring förekomst, nöjdhet samt trender för konservativa behandlingsmetoder för personer med idiopatisk skolios krävs en studie med ett större urval och jämnare fördelning av kön samt magnitud och topografi av skoliosen.