22. Yoga-Based Exergame Development for Adolescent Health promotion

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to qualitatively assess the effects of an in-person Yoga instructor, a virtual Yoga instructor, and music in middle school-aged females within a community center setting. The outcome is to increase physical activity among adolescents. Methods: Participants in this study consisted of eight middle school-aged females. Participants were recruited from the local Gainesville Boys and Girls Club. This study lasted five weeks with one session per week and all sessions took place in a local community center. For the first week, Yoga instruction was led by an in-person instructor in the front of the room with no music. The following two weeks, Yoga was instructed by the in-person instructor but music was added to the sessions. The final two weeks, a virtual Yoga instructor led the sessions with music. Qualitative analysis of the participants was recorded across the five-week period. Project protocol was IRB approved. Results: We found great enthusiasm among participants. Initial sessions required frequent verbal repeat of directions by instructor. As the sessions progressed, participants became more focused on the lessons and followed the presentations by the exergame video screen. The final session with exergame direction-only kept the participants engaged. Conclusion: The yoga exergame developed within this project would be a suitable platform for directing physical activity at youth community centers without in-person yoga instructor.