Adolescence is a pivotal phase of human development characterized by rapid physical, emotional and psychological changes. During this transformative period, lifestyle choices made by adolescents can profoundly impact their health and well-being in both the short and long term. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of physical activity and yoga in maintaining overall fitness and promoting mental well-being, especially among school-going adolescents [1-2].

Himachal Pradesh, a picturesque state nestled in the northern region of India, is renowned for its natural beauty and serene landscapes. Yet, the modernization of lifestyles and the advent of technology have brought about significant changes in the daily routines of adolescents in the region. Increased screen time, sedentary behaviors and a shift towards convenience-based living have raised concerns about the physical health and fitness of school-going adolescents in Himachal Pradesh.

Physical activity and yoga have emerged as crucial components of a healthy lifestyle for adolescents. Engaging in regular physical activity not only helps in maintaining a healthy body weight but also contributes to the development of strong bones and muscles. Moreover, it plays a vital role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases and improving mental health, self-esteem and overall quality of life among adolescents [3-5].

On the other hand, yoga, an ancient practice rooted in Indian tradition, has gained global recognition for its multifaceted benefits. Yoga encompasses physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama) and meditation techniques that enhance flexibility, balance and mental tranquility. In adolescents, practicing yoga has shown promising results in reducing stress, anxiety and improving concentration and emotional regulation.^5-8 Understanding the knowledge and awareness levels of school-going adolescents in Himachal Pradesh regarding physical activity and yoga is of paramount importance. It provides insights into their lifestyle choices and the extent to which they recognize the importance of these practices in maintaining physical and mental well-being. Furthermore, it serves as a foundation for developing targeted interventions and educational programs aimed at promoting physical activity and yoga among adolescents in the region.

This study endeavors to assess the knowledge and awareness of physical activity and yoga among school-going adolescents in Himachal Pradesh. By exploring their current practices, understanding and attitudes toward physical fitness and yoga, we aim to identify opportunities for promoting healthier lifestyles and enhancing the overall well-being of adolescents in this region.

Objectives of the Study

To evaluate the Knowledge regarding Physical Activity and yoga among school going adolescent children of Himachal Pradesh.

Research Methodology

• Research Approach -Descriptive

• Research Design- Cross-sectional survey design

• Study area: Whole state of Himachal Pradesh

• Study duration- between April 2023 to July 2023

• Study population: All school going adolescent children who were studying in the Himachal Pradesh for 12 months or more

• Sample size- 400 school going adolescent children assuming 50% have adequate knowledge regarding Physical Activity and yoga, 5% absolute error, 95% confidence level and 5% non-response rate

• Study tool: A google form questionnaire consisting of questions regarding socio-demography, knowledge regarding Physical Activity and yoga was created. The questionnaire was initially pre-tested on a small number of school children to identify any difficulty in understanding by the respondents

Description of Tool

Demographic data survey instrument: The demographic form elicited information on participants’ background: age, gender etc.

Questionnaire: The questionnaire contains 20 structured knowledge related questions regarding Physical Activity and yoga. One mark was given for each correct answer and zero for incorrect answer. The maximum score was 20 and minimum score was zero. Scoring was done on the basis of marks as:

>80%(16-20)=very good,60-79%(12-15) =Good,41-59% ( 8-11)=Fair,<40% (< 8)=poor

Validity of tool  =  by the experts in this field

Data Collection

Data was collected under the guidance of supervisors. The google form questionnaire was circulated via online modes like e-mail and social media platforms like WhatsApp groups, Facebook, Instagram etc. in both rural and urban area of Himachal Pradesh till the 400 responses were collected.

 Data Analysis

Data was collected and entered in Microsoft excel spread sheet, cleaned for errors and analyzed with Epi Info V7 Software with appropriate statistical test in terms of frequencies and percentage. 

The primary objective of this study was to gauge the understanding regarding Physical Activity and yoga among school going adolescent children in Himachal Pradesh. A total of 400 respondents took part in the study, with 246 (61.5 percent) were males and 154 (38.5%) were female school children.

In the present study 29.5% (118) participants had very good knowledge (16-20 marks) towards Physical Activity and yoga, 40.5% (162) had good knowledge (12-15 marks), 16.75% (67) had fair knowledge (8-11 marks) and 13.25% (53) having poor knowledge (<8 marks). 

The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the knowledge and awareness levels of school-going adolescents in Himachal Pradesh regarding physical activity and yoga. These insights are crucial for understanding the current state of fitness awareness among adolescents and identifying areas where educational interventions can be targeted to promote healthier lifestyles.

A significant portion of the participants demonstrated a reasonable understanding of the importance of physical activity in maintaining overall health. For instance, 78% of respondents correctly recognized how regular physical activity benefits their overall health. This understanding aligns with global recommendations emphasizing the significance of physical activity for maintaining physical fitness and well-being [1-3].

Moreover, the majority of participants (71.75%) were aware of the potential consequences of a sedentary lifestyle. This awareness is particularly important, given the growing concern over the adverse health effects of prolonged sitting and reduced physical activity. Furthermore, participants displayed good knowledge of safety precautions when participating in sports or exercise (71.75%). This knowledge is essential for injury prevention and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience during physical activities. However, some aspects of physical activity knowledge warrant attention. Only 51% of participants correctly identified the recommended amount of physical activity per day for adolescents. This finding suggests that there may be a need for greater emphasis on educating adolescents about the specific guidelines for physical activity in their age group [3-6].

Yoga, with its ancient roots in Indian tradition, has gained   recognition  for   its   numerous   benefits, including   stress  reduction  and   improved mental well-being. In   this study, participants demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge regarding yoga. Approximately 59% of respondents could name three yoga poses and describe their associated benefits, indicating a reasonable understanding of yoga practices.
 

Table 1: Knowledge regarding Physical Activity and yoga among study participants

Table 2: Knowledge scores towards Physical Activity and yoga among study participants

Additionally, 50.25% recognized how mindfulness and deep breathing techniques can improve focus and concentration, highlighting awareness of the mental benefits of yoga [5-8].

The findings of this study align with previous research on adolescent fitness knowledge, which has shown variations in awareness levels across different aspects of physical activity and yoga. These variations emphasize the need for targeted educational programs that focus on areas where knowledge is lacking while reinforcing existing understanding.

Practical Implications

The results of this study have practical implications for health education programs targeting school-going adolescents in Himachal Pradesh. The identified gaps in knowledge related to physical activity and yoga can guide the development of educational interventions that aim to improve awareness and promote healthier lifestyle choices.

In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive assessment of the knowledge and awareness of physical activity and yoga among school-going adolescents in Himachal Pradesh. While participants demonstrated reasonable awareness of several aspects of fitness, there are opportunities for improvement, particularly in understanding recommended physical activity guidelines for adolescents. These findings can inform the design of targeted health education programs to enhance fitness knowledge and promote healthier lifestyles among adolescents in the region.

Ethical Approval

Ethical Considerations- Participants confidentiality and anonymity were maintained.

1. Hallal, P.C., et al. “Global Physical Activity Levels: Surveillance Progress, Pitfalls and Prospects.” The Lancet, vol. 380, no. 9838, 2012, pp. 247–257.

2. Biddle, S.J., et al. “Physical activity and mental health in children and adolescents: An updated review of reviews and an analysis of causality.” Psychology of Sport and Exercise, vol. 42, 2019, pp. 146–155.

3. Balasubramaniam, M., et al. “Yoga on our minds: A systematic review of yoga for neuropsychiatric disorders.” Frontiers in Psychiatry, vol. 3, 2013, p. 117.

4. Khalsa, S.B., et al. “Evaluation of the mental health benefits of yoga in a secondary school: A preliminary randomized controlled trial.” The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, vol. 40, no. 3, 2013, pp. 140–153.

5. World Health Organization. Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization, 2010.

6. Telles, S., et al. “Yoga reduces symptoms of distress in tsunami survivors in the Andaman Islands. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 4, no. 4, 2007, pp. 503–509.

7. Janssen, I. and LeBlanc, A.G., “Systematic review of the health benefits of physical activity and fitness in school-aged children and youth. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, vol. 7, no. 1, 2010, p. 40.

8. Cramer, H., et al. “Yoga for anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Depression and Anxiety, vol. 35, no. 9, 2018, pp. 830–843.