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Completed

NCT Number: NCT03262350

The Effects of Yoga on Body Image in College Women

The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of a regular yoga practice on body image in college women.

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Key information

Conditions

Body Image Body Weight Eating Disorder Feeding and Eating Disorders Mental Disorders Nutrition Disorders Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases Obesity Overnutrition Overweight Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms, Digestive Yoga

Age range

18 year–26 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Delaware

Newark, Delaware, 19711, United States

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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)

Treatment and study plan

Yoga

Behavioral

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.

Primary outcomes

  1. Body Image

    Time frame: 10 weeks

    assessed using Body Image Quality of Life Inventory

  2. body image

    Time frame: 10 weeks

    assessed using Mind Body Self Relations Questionnaire

Secondary outcomes

  1. change in Body Mass Index

    Time frame: 10 weeks

    weight and height will be combined to report BMI in kg/m^2

  2. disordered eating attitudes/behaviors

    Time frame: 10 weeks

    assessed using the Eating Attitudes Test-26

  3. disordered eating attitudes/behaviors

    Time frame: 10 weeks

    assessed using the Binge Eating Scale

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Delaware

Other

Collaborators

  • Neuropsychiatric Research Institute
  • The Emily Program
  • University of Minnesota

Registry information

Official study title

Can Yoga Reduce Body Image Concerns in Females, Thereby Reducing Risk of Obesity and Eating Disorders?

Important dates

Study start
2017
Primary completion
2017
Study completion
2019
First posted
Aug 25, 2017
Registry last updated
Apr 27, 2021

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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