Integrated Yoga Module for Smartphone Addiction and Academic Engagement among Pre-University Students: A Study Protocol

Abstract

Background and Objectives:

The issue of smartphone addiction in adolescents poses a significant public health concern, negatively impacting cognitive abilities, attention management, behavioral control, mental health, and overall well-being. Yoga is emerging as a promising holistic intervention capable of improving mindfulness, emotional regulation, cognitive functioning, and behavioral self-control. This study aims to evaluate the impact of an integrated yoga module on smartphone addiction and academic engagement among pre-university students. 

Research Design and Methods:

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) will include 200 pre-university students aged 16 to 19 years from Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies – RK Valley, Kadapa, widely known as RGUKT–RK Valley. Participants will be randomly assigned either in experimental group receiving the yoga intervention or in a waitlist control group.  The intervention comprises 60-minute yoga sessions conducted over 90 academic days within one semester. Pre- and post-intervention assessments of smartphone addiction and academic engagement will be carried out using validated questionnaires, complemented by administrative academic attendance records and objective smartphone screen-time data to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of outcomes.

Expected Outcomes:

It is hypothesized that the structured yoga module may or may not reduce smartphone addiction and enhance academic engagement among participants, thereby offering empirical evidence for integrating yoga-based interventions into educational systems to promote digital well-being and academic excellence.