The effects of Hatha Yoga Practice on the Health-Related Physical Fitness and Stress Levels of Adults in Sakon Nakhon Province

Abstract

           This quasi-experimental research with a pre - and post - test with control group design was conducted for the purpose of investigating the effects of Hatha Yoga practice on the health-related physical fitness and stress levels of adult practioners. The subjects were adult villagers living within the surrounding areas of Kasetsart University Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Province Campus. On voluntary basis, the 66 participants were selected based on a volunteer screening test, and divided into an experimental group (N=33) and a control group (N=33). The data collection instruments included a volunteer screening test, a health-related physical fitness test, and a stress survey questionnaire designed by Khonkaen Ratchanakarin Hospital. The statistical tools included mean, standard deviation, and percentage. Hypothesis testing was conducted using an independent samples t-test. The results were that after the practice of Hathayoga, the practioners were of significantly better physical fitness levels (p<.01) and their stress levels were signi!cantly lower than before the practice (p<.01).