YoBEKA Program (Yoga, Movement, Relaxation, Concentration and Mindfulness) in Elementary Schools

Charite University, Berlin, Germany250 enrolled

Overview

The aim of this study is a first evaluation of the effectiveness of the YoBEKA Program (Yoga, Movement, Relaxation, Concentration and Mindfulness) to evaluate potential effects in stress reduction and concomitant psychological parameters.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

250

Conditions

Stress, Psychological

Interventions

YoBEKABEHAVIORAL

The teachers and students of the YoBEKA study arm receive a guided YoBEKA practice from an experienced YoBEKA trainer during the regular 4 month intervention period. The YoBEKA program is based on a combination of different, easy to perform exercises appropriate to the school situation, consisting of postures, verses for speech, song and movement, affirmations in movement to promote balance and coordination, and various rest and silence exercises to promote body awareness and relaxation techniques. The teaching is ideologically neutral and without religious background. The participating teachers receive an initial two-hour YoBEKA introductory course. Every 2 weeks there is a one to two-hour training course. The pedagogical specialists are supported once a week by an experienced YoBEKA trainer. The teachers are encouraged to integrate the learned exercises independently and regularly into their everyday school life.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 6 YearsMax age: 12 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion criteria: * Students from participating primary schools in Berlin aged 6-12 years * Written declaration of consent of the parent or legal guardian Exclusion criteria: * Serious chronic or acute diseases * Immobility or serious restriction for gymnastic exercises due to orthopaedic, neurological or other medical causes * Participation in another study

Locations (1)

Charite University

Berlin, Germany

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Questionnaire on the assessment of stress and stress management in childhood and adolescence - Revision (SSKJ 3-8 R)

Filled out by students, assessing composite score (range 29-94): subscale 1 (stress-vulnerability \[range 7-28\]) summed with subscale 3 (stress symptoms and well-being \[range 22-66\]), lower score meaning a better outcome

Time frame: Change baseline, 4 months