Effect Of Hatha Yoga On Muscular Endurance, Pulmonary Function And Physical Fitness Among College Students: A Randomized Controlled Trail

Abstract

Background: College students face declining physical activity levels alongside rising academic and psychological demands both of which affect muscular fitness and respiratory efficiency. Hatha yoga, combining postures (asanas), controlled breathing (pranayama) and relaxation has been proposed as a low-cost intervention to improve physical fitness parameters. Objective: To evaluate the effect of a 3month structured Hatha yoga program on muscular endurance, pulmonary function and physical fitness among college students. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 180 college students allocated equally to an intervention group (m=90, Hatha yoga, 3 session/wk for 12 wk) and a control group (n-90, no structured intervention). Muscular endurance was assessed using standardized timed repetition tests; pulmonary function was measured via spirometry; physical fitness was assessed using BMI, sit-and-reach flexibility and a 12-min run test. Assessments were conducted at baseline and post-intervention. Results: The intervention group showed statistically significant improvements relative to control across most muscular endurance and pulmonary function measures (p<0.05), with medium-to-large effect sizes (Cohen’s d=0.30-1.13). Conclusion: A 12-week hatha yoga intervention may meaningfully improve muscular endurance, pulmonary function and selected physical fitness parameters among college students supporting its integration into campus wellness programs.