Yoga in the schools: a systematic review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this research was to examine the evidence for delivering yoga-based interventions in schools.


METHODS
An electronic literature search was conducted to identify peer-reviewed, published studies in which yoga and a meditative component (breathing practices or meditation) were taught to youths in a school setting. Pilot studies, single cohort, quasi-experimental, and randomized clinical trials were considered.


METHODS
quality was evaluated and summarized.


RESULTS
Twelve published studies were identified. Samples for which yoga was implemented as an intervention included youths with autism, intellectual disability, learning disability, and emotional disturbance, as well as typically developing youths.


CONCLUSIONS
Although effects of participating in school-based yoga programs appeared to be beneficial for the most part, methodological limitations, including lack of randomization, small samples, limited detail regarding the intervention, and statistical ambiguities curtailed the ability to provide definitive conclusions or recommendations. Findings speak to the need for greater methodological rigor and an increased understanding of the mechanisms of success for school-based yoga interventions.
University at Buffalo, State University of New York, NY, USA. mserwacki@gmail.com
Michelle L
ML
Serwacki
Catherine
C
Cook-Cottone
D000293:Adolescent; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000628:therapy; D012574:Schools; D015013:Yoga