Erica Thomas, assistant professor in the department of education and wellness, recently published her first, first author manuscript in the International Journal of Yoga (IJOY).
‘The Benefits of Yoga in the Classroom: A Mixed-Methods Approach to the Effects of Poses and Breathing and Relaxation Techniques’ co-authored by Erica M. Thomas, assistant professor in the Department of Education and Wellness and Erin E. Centeio, assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science at The University of Hawai’I at Mãnoa, is featured in the September – December 2020 issue of the International Journal of Yoga.
Their research suggests that urban classrooms should include yoga and mindfulness training as it contributes to daily student physical activity and can also be stress relieving, fun, calming and easy to perform outside of school.
Abstract
Background: Disadvantaged youth in the United States are disproportionately likely to be more sedentary and obese and experience more stress than their counterparts with higher socioeconomic status. Yoga and breathing and relaxation techniques have positive effects on stress levels, physical activity levels, and behavior of school‑aged children.
Aims: Using social cognitive theory to examine behavioral, personal, and environmental factors, the purpose of this pilot study was to examine the multilevel influences of a yoga‑based classroom intervention on urban youth.
Methods: Using a mixed methodological quasi‑experimental design, this pilot study included the third grade students (n = 40) at one urban elementary school. A survey contained stress, yoga behavior, and aggression scales. In addition, individual student interviews, a teacher interview, and classroom observations were conducted.
Results: Paired and independent sample t‑tests showed pre/post differences in yoga participation both in and out of school for the intervention participants (P < 0.01). Qualitative analysis revealed three main themes: (1) increased use and enjoyment of yoga techniques, (2) behavioral changes both in/out of school, and (3) impact on personal factors.
To read the full publication, please click here.
Erica Thomas joined the Elon faculty in the fall of 2018. She received her B.A. from The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, before receiving her M.A. and Ph.D. from Wayne State University.
Thomas’s scholarly interests include: health education, promotion, programming, promotion and practice. She is the program coordinator for the Wellness and Health Education minor and a Student Health 101 advisor. She currently teaches WHE 350: Program Assessment, Evaluation and Design; PEH 324: Nutrition. In the spring of 2021, she will teach a new course WHE 240: Methods and Materials in Health Promotion and Health Education. She has previously taught IDS 285: Perspectives in Personal and Global Health; WHE 230: Perspectives in Health Promotion: Foundation to Function; WHE 112: Health Related Fitness. In addition, Thomas is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), and holds a Mental Health First Aid Certification.