Effect of Yogic Practices on Flexibility Using the Sit and Reach Test

This study examines the impact of a structured yoga training program on flexibility among students enrolled in the Post Graduate Diploma in Yoga Therapy Education (PGDYTE) at Rajiv Gandhi University, using the Sit and Reach Test as the primary assessment tool for lower back and hamstring extensibility. The intervention included a comprehensive sequence of asanas performed in standing, sitting, prone, and supine positions, complemented by relaxation practices such as the Deep Relaxation Technique, with the objective of determining whether regular yogic practice yields measurable improvements in physical flexibility. Data were collected from 20 participants through pre-test and post-test assessments, with results revealing a significant increase in flexibility, as reflected by the rise in mean scores from 34.45 to 42.05. A paired samples t-test confirmed the effectiveness of the intervention (t = –9.547, p <.001), demonstrating that consistent yoga practice produced meaningful gains in musculoskeletal function. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of yoga as a holistic modality that supports physical well-being, enhances flexibility, and contributes to overall health promotion. The study underscores the relevance of integrating yoga into educational and wellness programs, while also suggesting the need for further research to explore the long-term sustainability of flexibility improvements and to better understand the physiological mechanisms underlying these positive outcomes.