Role of Yogic Interventions in Enhancing Physical Fitness and Managing Anxiety among Female Kho kho Players
Sunita Sharma, Renu Shungloo
International Journal of Innovations & Research Analysis March 30, 2026 DOI: 10.62823/ijira/6.1(i).8660 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 75 |
| Population | Female Kho-Kho players aged 14-18 years from schools and sports academies in Jaipur |
| Intervention | pranayama |
| Duration | 6-week intervention |
| Topics | Anxiety |
| Key findings | The authors report that a six-week yoga program significantly reduced performance anxiety and improved emotional stability, confidence, and mental clarity in 75 adolescent female Kho-Kho players, alongside notable gains in flexibility, balance, coordination, reaction time, and physical efficiency. They conclude that yoga is an effective non-pharmacological approach for enhancing both physical and psychological aspects of athletic performance. |
Abstract
In contemporary sports, athletic performance is shaped by both physical fitness and psychological well-being, particularly among female sportspersons who often experience heightened performance anxiety and stress. This study examines the effectiveness of yoga-based interventions in improving physical fitness and reducing anxiety among adolescent Kho-Kho players. A total of 75 female athletes aged 14–18 years from schools and sports academies in Jaipur were selected using a survey method. The intervention consisted of a six-week structured yoga program incorporating asanas, pranayama, and meditation practices. The findings indicate a significant reduction in performance anxiety, with participants reporting improved emotional stability, confidence, and mental clarity during competitive situations. Additionally, notable improvements were observed in motor abilities, including flexibility, balance, coordination, reaction time, and overall physical efficiency. The integration of yoga also enhanced neuromuscular coordination and supported better stress management. The study concludes that yoga serves as a holistic and effective non-pharmacological approach to enhancing both physical and psychological aspects of athletic performance. Its regular practice fosters mind-body harmony, resilience under pressure, and overall well-being, making it a valuable component of modern sports training programs for female athletes.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on anxiety, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders Patients with generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder with or without agoraphobia | 1992 | Observational cohort | n = 22 |
| Antidepressant effects of a single dose of ayahuasca in patients with recurrent depression: a preliminary report Patients with a depressive disorder | 2015 | Observational study | |
| Patterning of Cognitive and Somatic Processes in the Self-Regulation of Anxiety: Effects of Meditation versus Exercise Regular practitioners of physical exercise or meditation | 1978 | Retrospective study | n = 77 |
| Dynamic coupling of whole-brain neuronal and neurotransmitter systems Healthy humans | 2020 | Observational study | |
| Psychedelics not linked to mental health problems or suicidal behavior: A population study Randomly selected United States adults | 2015 | Observational cohort | n = 135,095 |