Effect of Yogic Interventions on Kinematical and Anthropometrical Parameters for Holistic Development among School Students: An NEP 2020 Perspective of India

Introduction: A significant part of India's cultural legacy, yog has been acknowledged for its potential advantages for both mental and physical well-being. Although its beneficial effects on body composition and flexibility are well recognized, there are still few empirical investigations that quantify such advantages, particularly for youths. Examining the effects of 8-week structured yog practice on particular kinematical (joint angle) and anthropometric (body measures) metrics in Indian youth was the goal of this study. Methods: Thirty male secondary school students from the Ajmer district of Rajasthan, ages 14 to 18, participated in an 8-week yogic training activities (five days a week, for 45 minutes each). The Common Yoga Protocol was followed during the intervention, which comprised asanas, pranayama, and relaxation techniques. Kinovea motion analysis software was used to evaluate kinematical parameters, such as spinal rotation, hip and shoulder joint angle. ISAK protocols were followed when performing anthropometric measurements, such as height, weight, arm span, chest circumference, BMI, leg length, and body fat percentage. Results: Significant increases in joint flexibility were found in post-intervention analyses: spinal rotation increased by 6° (p < 0.001), hip joint extended by 4° (p < 0.001), and shoulder joint flexed by 8° (p < 0.001). Positive effects were shown by anthropometric evaluations, particularly a decrease in body fat percentage with an improvement in BMI values, which were consistent with normative data for active teenagers. Conclusion: These results highlighted yoga's potential as a comprehensive approach to physical development in school curricula, aligning with the goals of India's National Education Policy 2020. The structured yogic intervention successfully improved joint mobility and positively impacted body composition among young participants.