The Research Dialogue

Author:Dr. Moradhvaj Singh

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64880/theresearchdialogue.v5i2.16

Abstract:

             Background: The sedentary nature of corporate work in India, especially in the information-technology and e-commerce sectors, has raised concern about declining physical fitness among young working adults. Yoga offers an accessible, low-cost way of addressing several fitness components within the working day. Objectives: The study examined whether a structured six-week Fit Yoga Protocol, framed within the spirit of the Fit India Movement, could improve flexibility, muscular endurance, static balance and muscular strength in corporate employees, and whether these effects varied by gender. Methods: Forty employees aged 18 to 35 years from several Indian companies were randomly assigned to an experimental group that practised the protocol on five days each week or to a control group that continued its usual routine. Flexibility (V Sit and Reach), muscular endurance (push-ups), static balance (Vrikshasana hold) and muscular strength (Naukasana hold) were assessed before and after the intervention. A 2×2 (Group × Gender) factorial analysis of covariance was applied, with pre-test scores as covariates and significance set at p < .05. Results: The yoga group recorded significantly higher adjusted means for flexibility (F = 12.56, p = .001), static balance (F = 12.72, p = .001) and muscular strength (F = 14.87, p < .001), whereas muscular endurance did not differ significantly (F = 2.44, p = .127). Gender and the Group × Gender interaction were non-significant throughout. Conclusion: A short, low-cost Fit Yoga Protocol can meaningfully enhance flexibility, balance and core strength among corporate employees of both sexes, supporting its use in workplace wellness programmes.

Keywords: Fit Yoga Protocol, workplace wellness, flexibility, static balance, muscular strength, factorial ANCOVA

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