Study on the Effects of Yoga on Female College Students’ Physical and Mental Health

Using such methods as questionnaire survey and experimental study, a study has been made on the effects of yoga on female college students’ body shape, the quality of physical function, mental health and so on. Methods: The study sampled 25 2009 female students in Handan College who have selected the yoga course. These students will do yoga practice for 6 months. The body shape, body function and mental health will be tested before and after the exercise. The results show that: such four indicators as body weight, waist circumference, thigh circumference and upper arm circumference; such 6 indicators as vital capacity, heart rate, VO2, sit-ups, step test, and Sit and Reach and such indicators as mental health self-assessment questionnaire (SCL--90), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), and self-rating depression scale (SDS) have been improved significantly compared to those before practice. Conclusion: Through yoga practice, female college students can improve their physical health, balance physical and mental condition, and relieve stress, enhancing the quality of physical function and mental health.