title: Functional fitness improvements after a worksite-based yoga initiative.
abstract: This study explored the benefits of yoga on functional fitness, flexibility, and perceived stress. A quasi-experimental design was used to measure benefits of yoga in sample of firefighters from a major metropolitan fire department. Yoga classes were conducted on-shift, in the fire stations over the period of 6 weeks. The classes included pranayama (breathing), asana (postures), and savasana (relaxation); 108 firefighters enrolled in the study, most were physically active but had no prior experience with yoga. Baseline and post-yoga assessments were completed by 77 participants. Paired t-tests revealed significant improvements in the Functional Movement Screen, a seven item test that measures functional fitness. Improvements were also noted in trunk flexibility and perceived stress. Participants also reported favorable perceptions of yoga: feeling more focused and less musculoskeletal pain. These findings - along with the retention of the majority of the participants - indicate that participants benefited from yoga.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health, Physical Education and Dance, The City University of New York, Bayside, 11364, USA. gscowen@msn.com
authors.forename: Virginia S
authors.initials: VS
authors.lastname: Cowen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016272:Occupational Health; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D018635:Rescue Work; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D017132:Workplace; D015013:Yoga