Efficacy of yoga in facilitating mindfulness among asymptomatic male cricket players

Abstract

Background: Cricket scenario across the globe has undergone tremendous changes in the last two decades. Premier league designs have exposed the players to immense aggression, competitiveness, and expectations. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of yoga in facilitating mindfulness among asymptomatic male cricket players. Methods and materials: First-class domestic male cricket players in the age group of 18-35 years from the Karnataka State Cricket Association were randomized into yoga group n=40 and wait-list control group n=42. Players received the yoga module for five days/week for a duration of six weeks. Five-facet mindfulness questionnaire was given at baseline, immediate post-intervention, and a follow-up after six months of intervention. Statistical analysis: Group differences in the change in parameters over time was modelled using linear mixed-effects regression method using the lme4 package in R, as two groups were compared over three unevenly spaced assessment time points. Findings: Comparison of the model fit indicates a significant (p<0.001) difference between the model as compared to the baseline model among all the five facets. There was no significant effect (p>0.001) at either time or group, however, there was a significant interaction effect at T2 (immediate post-intervention) among all the facets. No significant interaction effect (group*time interaction) was found in the follow-up study. Application: Regular practice of this yoga module may enhance the likelihood to maintain a state of mindfulness among the male cricket players. Integrating yoga into the competitive world of cricket appears to be promising in enhancing mindfulness.

Mental Fitness: Psychological Warfare from Battlefield to Playground

“…The most important aspect for any form of sporting activities requires mental strength, but the amount of time is being spent for mental preparation is comparatively lesser than physical fitness. Cricketers likely utilize some of the well-known mental conditioning techniques such as meditation and yoga for mental preparation (Rao, 2020). Every young player has to realize the importance of mental preparation (Biddle, 1985).…”

To develop and validate an integrated yoga module for the sport of cricket

“…They can understand that how their conscious and subconscious mind affects their body (Maurya & Kumar, 2015) [15] . Integrating ancient wisdom of yoga into the competitive world of cricket appears to be promising as a holistic approach in enhancing mindfulness (Rao et al, 2020) [20] .…”