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Effects of a classroom-based yoga intervention on cortisol and behavior in second- and third-grade students: a pilot study
Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine
Short Title: J Evid Based Complementary Altern MedEffects of a classroom-based yoga intervention on cortisol and behavior in second- and third-grade students
Format: Journal Article
Publication Date: 2015/01//
Pages: 41 - 49
Sources ID: 61156
Visibility: Public (group default)
Abstract: (Show)
This uncontrolled pilot study examined the effects of a classroom-based yoga intervention on cortisol concentrations and perceived behavior in children. A 10-week Yoga 4 Classrooms intervention was implemented in one second-grade and one third-grade classroom. Students' salivary cortisol responses were assessed at 3 time points. Classroom teachers also documented their perceptions of the effects of the intervention on students' cognitive, social, and emotional skills. Second, but not third, graders showed a significant decrease in baseline cortisol from before to after the intervention. Second and third graders both showed significant decreases in cortisol from before to after a cognitive task, but neither grade showed additional decreases from before to after a single yoga class. The second-grade teacher perceived significant improvements in several aspects his/her students' behavior. The third-grade teacher perceived some, but fewer, improvements in his/her students' behavior. Results suggest that school-based yoga may be advantageous for stress management and behavior.