Yoga As A Transformative Practice: Improving Body Image And Physical Fitness In Visually Impaired Secondary School Students

Authors

  • Jayshree Roongta Independent Researcher

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58914/ijyesspe.2024-9.2.3

Keywords:

Yoga, Visual Impairment, Body Image, Physical Fitness

Abstract

Background: Visual impairments present unique challenges that affect various aspects of a child’s development. Interventions driven by yoga and physical activities which orient and support their overall well-being and growth are essential.
Aim: This study investigates the impact of yoga on body image and physical fitness in visually impaired secondary school students.
Methods: Employing a Non-Equivalent Control Group Design, the research involved 160 students, selected using Convenient and Purposive Sampling methods, over an 8-week period. The yoga intervention comprised yogic prayer, asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), and kriya (cleansing techniques). The study was conducted in three phases: pre-test, intervention, and post-test. Criterion measures assessed body image and physical fitness, including muscular strength, endurance, cardiovascular fitness, and flexibility.
Results and Conclusion: The results indicated a significant improvement in both body image and physical fitness among participants. The findings suggest that yoga effectively enhances various dimensions of physical fitness and positively influences body image, highlighting its potential as a beneficial practice for visually impaired students in secondary education.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Dubey, L. K., Hussain, A., & Sinha, S. “Yoga for Specially-abled Children: A therapeutic means to increase

body awareness”. International Journal of Yogic, Human Movement and Sports Sciences6, no. 1(2021):160–

Jameel, H. T., & Shamim, F. “Relationship of Self-confidence with self-body image of visually impaired

children.”Journal of Research in Psychology1, no. 1 (2019):9–11. https://doi.org/10.31580/jrp.v1i1.517

Hagen, I., & Nayar, U. S. “Yoga for Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Well-Being: Research

Review and Reflections on the Mental Health Potentials of Yoga”. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 5. (2014). https:/

/doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00035

Ashikali, E., & Dittmar, H. “Body image and restrained eating in blind and sighted women: A preliminary

study”. Body Image7, no. 2(2010): 172–175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2010.01.002

Rathee, N. K., & Sharma, A. “Exploring the Effects of a 12 Weeks Physical Activity Program on Emotional

Intelligence and Mental Health among Visually Impaired Children in India”. The International Journal of

Sport and Society1, no. 4(2010): 77–86. https://doi.org/10.18848/2152-7857/cgp/v01i04/54052

Tran, M. D., Holly, R. G., Lashbrook, J., & Amsterdam, E. A. “Effects of hatha yoga practice on the Health

Related aspects of physical fitness”. Preventive Cardiology4, no. 4(2001): 165–170. https://doi.org/10.1111/

j.1520-037x.2001.00542.x

Kaplan-Myrth, N. “Alice without a looking glass: Blind people and body image”. Anthropology & Medicine7,

no. 3(2000): 277–299. https://doi.org/10.1080/713650612

Downloads

Published

30-12-2024

How to Cite

Roongta, J. (2024). Yoga As A Transformative Practice: Improving Body Image And Physical Fitness In Visually Impaired Secondary School Students. Indian Journal of YOGA Exercise & Sport Science and Physical Education, 9(2), 12–22. https://doi.org/10.58914/ijyesspe.2024-9.2.3

Issue

Section

Articles

Categories