Body Image, Eating Disorder, Obesity, Yoga
Conditions
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of a regular yoga practice on body image in college women.
Detailed description
A randomized controlled design will be used to study the effects of a regular yoga practice on body image in young adult women. Fifty female freshman, sophomores, and juniors between the ages of 18 and 26 years will be recruited from the University of Delaware student population, specifically targeting those new to yoga. Age, academic standing, availability and prior yoga experience will be evaluated. Consented individuals will be randomized to one of two conditions: (1) yoga (offered 3 times per week) for 10 weeks; or (2) a control group. Baseline assessments, midpoint assessments, and end-of-study assessments will be conducted on all participants. Participants will be compensated for their attendance at assessment visits.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALYoga
The yoga classes will be adapted to all levels of experience, mobility, and body size. Specific breathing techniques and body positive language will be incorporated into a body-positive yoga training done by Ms. Lisa Diers, RDN, E-RYT, YACEP. Less focus will be placed on precision of the poses, instead focus will be on body feelings, except where physically dangerous. Thus, the overall focus will be on listening to one's own body. List of messages will be carefully designed to be related to eating and weight, but to not be directly discussed. Ms. Diers will travel to Delaware to lead the intervention training for yoga instructors prior to the study taking place.
Sponsors
University of Minnesota
The Emily Program
Neuropsychiatric Research Institute
University of Delaware
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to 26 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Freshman, sophomore, or junior at the University of Delaware * Available Spring 2017 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1:25-2:15pm * Physically able to participate in yoga
Exclusion criteria
* Females who are seniors at the University of Delaware (This is because participants in the control condition will be given a pass to participate in group fitness at the end of the study, and would not be able to use this incentive if they are seniors)
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Body Image | 10 weeks | assessed using Body Image Quality of Life Inventory |
| body image | 10 weeks | assessed using Mind Body Self Relations Questionnaire |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| change in Body Mass Index | 10 weeks | weight and height will be combined to report BMI in kg/m\^2 |
| disordered eating attitudes/behaviors | 10 weeks | assessed using the Eating Attitudes Test-26 |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed