Comparative Effect of Hatha Yoga and Aerobic Training on Flexibility of Shoulder, Core Back, and Lower Back among Overweight College Students

Abstract

Engaging in fitness activities for health benefits is highly advantageous. Health-related fitness is the quality that enables an individual to perform daily tasks effectively and efficiently. Flexibility is an important component of health-related fitness. The principal objective of the present study was to evaluate the impact of aerobic training and Hatha Yoga on the flexibility of the shoulder, core back, and lower back among overweight college students. Two groups, each consisting of twenty-five volunteers aged 20 to 24 years, were selected for the study through PAR-Q. Pre-test data regarding the dependent variables were collected using the sit-and-reach test, back extension test, and shoulder elevation test. The participants in the Hatha Yoga group and aerobic training group underwent ten weeks of training for three days per week. After the intervention, post-test data were collected using the same procedures adopted for the pre-test. The collected pre-test and post-test data were compiled and analyzed using mean, paired sample t-test, and independent sample t-test, while the significance level was fixed at 0.05. The findings revealed that both training regimens significantly improved shoulder, lower back, and core back flexibility. Furthermore, Hatha Yoga exercises demonstrated greater effects on shoulder, core back, and lower back flexibility compared to aerobic training among overweight college students aged 20 to 24 years. It was therefore recommended that overweight students should participate in Hatha Yoga and aerobic exercises to enhance their overall fitness levels.