YoBEKA Program (Yoga, Movement, Relaxation, Concentration and Mindfulness) in Elementary Schools

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The aim of this study is a first evaluation of the effectiveness of the YoBEKA Program (Yoga, Movement, Relaxation, Concentration and Mindfulness) to evaluate potential effects in stress reduction and concomitant psychological parameters.

Official Title
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Integration of the YoBEKA Program (Yoga, Movement, Relaxation, Concentration and Mindfulness) Into Elementary Schools in Germany

Conditions
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Stress, Psychological

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: YoBEKA


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion criteria: Students from participating primary schools in Berlin aged 6-12 years Written declaration of consent of the parent or legal guardian Exclusion criteria: Serious chronic or acute diseases Immobility or serious restriction for gymnastic exercises due to orthopaedic, neurological or other medical causes Participation in another study

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 6 Years
Maximum Age: 12 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Prevention
Allocation: Non-Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: YoBEKA Intervention<br> | Behavioral: YoBEKA<br>* The teachers and students of the YoBEKA study arm receive a guided YoBEKA practice from an experienced YoBEKA trainer during the regular 4 month intervention period. The YoBEKA program is based on a combination of different, easy to perform exercises appropriate to the school situation, consisting of postures, verses for speech, song and movement, affirmations in movement to promote balance and coordination, and various rest and silence exercises to promote body awareness and relaxation techniques. The teaching is ideologically neutral and without religious background. The participating teachers receive an initial two-hour YoBEKA introductory course. Every 2 weeks there is a one to two-hour training course. The pedagogical specialists are supported once a week by an experienced YoBEKA trainer. The teachers are encouraged to integrate the learned exercises independently and regularly into their everyday school life.<br>|
| No Intervention: Control group<br> | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Questionnaire on the assessment of stress and stress management in childhood and adolescence - Revision (SSKJ 3-8 R) | Filled out by students, assessing composite score (range 29-94): subscale 1 (stress-vulnerability [range 7-28]) summed with subscale 3 (stress symptoms and well-being [range 22-66]), lower score meaning a better outcome | Change baseline, 4 months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Inventory of the quality of life of children and adolescents (KIDSCREEN-27 children) | Filled out by students, assessing full scale, range 27-135, lower score meaning a better outcome | Change Baseline, 4 months, 12 months | 
| Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) | Filled out by teachers, assessing full scale, range 0-40, lower score meaning a better outcome | Change Baseline, 4 months, 12 months | 
| Teacher anxiety and stress inventory (LASI) | Filled out by teachers, assessing LASI 2, range 46-230, higher score meaning a better outcome | Change Baseline, 4 months, 12 months | 
| Screening for somatoform disorders of childhood and adolescence (SOMS-E) | Filled out by parents, assessing full scale, range 55-110, lower score meaning a better outcome | Change Baseline, 4 months, 12 months | 
| Inventory of the quality of life of children and adolescents (KIDSCREEN-52 parents) | Filled out by parents, assessing full scale, range 27-135, lower score meaning a better outcome | Change Baseline, 4 months, 12 months |