EFFECT OF SIX MONTHS SURYANAMASKAR TRAINING ON SELECTED PHYSIOLOGICAL AND MOTOR FITNESS VARIABLES OF SCHOOL GOING STUDENTS OF DELHI

Abstract

This study measured the impact of a six months of Surya Namaskar training schedule on
selected variables of physiological fitness and motor aptitudes in Delhi-based school children
of age-group 13-16 years old. The group comprised 60 students divided as a control (n = 30)
group and an experiment group (n = 30) by random randomization. The Surya Namaskar
experimental group was asked to perform it five times a week for 45 minutes for a period of
six weeks. The control group did not undergo any intervention. The physiological variables
examined were cardiovascular endurance, obtained from the use of the AAPHER 9-minute run
and walk test and vital capacity assessed with a dry spirometer. Motor fitness involved
assessment of the following: muscular strength, the standing broad jump test, and muscular
endurance assessed using the bent knee sit-up test. Measurements in both groups, pre-test and
post-test measurements, were made to establish changes in the variables of fitness during the
six-month period. The independent t-tests were conducted on the scores between the two
groups for pre-test and post-test. All measured variables were improved significantly in the
experimental group than in the control group. For instance, there were significant increases in
muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance, and vital capacity in the
experimental group. This outcome suggests that training in Surya Namaskar can be an effective
means of improving the physical fitness of adolescents. It may be one of the options for
incorporating Surya Namaskar in school physical education programs or as an extracurricular
activity to promote the practice of this activity and the overall fitness level of this age group.