A search of multiple databases revealed no literature
studying the effects of yoga on balance, flexibility
and overall strength in female adolescents. Several
studies found that yoga has a positive effect on handgrip
strength in adolescents, but this cannot be easily
generalized to overall strength measures.18-22 These
studies begin to support the use of yoga as a means to
improve balance, flexibility, and strength, but the number
of subjects is small or the duration of yoga intervention
is limited. In addition, studies examining the
effects of yoga in adults with low back pain found an
improvement in balance and flexibility.10 Balance in
healthy elderly also showed improvement with yoga
intervention.12 Bukowski et al,13 in a case series,
showed improvement in hamstring flexibility as well
as in quadriceps’ strength. As yoga has shown positive
effects in the adult population, it is reasonable to
expect similar outcomes for adolescents.
In this study, both groups showed some level of
improvement in hamstring length and strength, which
demonstrates that in those situations in which an
instructor is not available in person, video-led yoga
may be effective in improving the health and fitness of