Authors:
K. P. Mohammed Sahlu, W. Vinu, N. K. Ashif Ali, Dilshith Azeezul Kabeer

Addresses:
Department of Physical Education, EKC Technical Campus, University of Calicut, Malappuram, Kerala, India. Department of Physical Education, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, India.

Abstract:

In Malappuram, wrestling is part of Kerala's culture. Wrestler fitness research is popular but restricted. This study shows how yoga affects Kerala wrestlers' fitness levels, demonstrating its potential for training. This study examined how targeted yoga workouts affected core strength and flexibility in Malappuram wrestlers. The study examined whether these activities improved wrestling-related physical qualities. This quantitative, experimental study examined how yoga activities affected wrestlers' physical features. The experimental group of 40 Malappuram wrestlers did a 6-week yoga program to improve flexibility and core strength, while the control group continued their regular training. The sit-and-reach test tested flexibility, while a one-minute bent-knee sit-up test measured core strength. Under ethical, informed permission and data confidentiality guidelines, SPSS paired t-tests were used to analyze data. The control group showed no significant changes in flexibility or core strength, with pre-test and post-test mean flexibility scores of 24.75 (SD = 1.62) and 25.05 (SD = 1.28), respectively, and a t-value of 0.87963 and p-value of 0.195. However, the experimental group improved significantly, with pre-test flexibility scores of 25.00 (SD = 1.56) rising to 30.00 (SD = 1.86) post-test, providing a t-value of 8.9727 and a highly significant p-value of 0.00000001464. Targeted yoga interventions increased wrestlers' flexibility and core strength, but the control group did not. These findings emphasize the value of yoga in training to improve athletic performance and reduce injury risk. 

Keywords: Physical Fitness; Yogic Practices; Fitness Standards; Wrestling Performance; Core Strength; Athletic Performance; Spiritual Practices; Mindfulness and Concentration.

Received on: 25/06/2025, Revised on: 06/09/2025, Accepted on: 19/09/2025, Published on: 03/03/2026

DOI: 10.69888/FTSPS.2026.000655

FMDB Transactions on Sustainable Psychology Sequence, 2026 Vol. 1 No. 1, Pages: 10-18

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