Abstract

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SELECTED YOGASANAS AND SPIRULINA IN CHILDREN WITH HIV INFECTION - A PILOT STUDY

Prof. Prabhavathi. S* and Dr. Nalini Jayavanth Santha

Abstract

AIDS in children poses major challenges for the child, parents and the society. The aim of the pilot study to evaluate the effectiveness of spirulina supplement and yogasanas on physiological parameters and quality of life of children with HIV infection in Tamilnadu, India. An experimental and quantitative approach was used and 30 children were chosen using simple random sampling and allotted 15 children for both experimental and control group. Their weight, height, haemoglobin and CD4 counts were assessed and PaedQol inventory was administered for both groups at 30 days interval for four regular interval. The experimental group was assigned to attend yogasana sessions and 2g Spirulina Supplement for 90 days. The control group received routine interventions. The results revealed that there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the level of haemoglobin, weight, and the domains of PaedQol such as physical functioning, emotional functioning, social functioning and school functioning of the child self report and parents report. There was no significant difference found in the CD 4 counts of the children.

Keywords: HIV positive children, yogasanas, spirulina, physiologic parameters, quality of life.