ELAYARAJA M
@pondiuni.edu.in
Professor & Director
Pondicherry University
Dr M. Elayaraja is Professor of Physical Education in the Department of Physical Education & Sports, Pondicherry University. He has 20 years of experience in the field of Physical Education & Sports. He received the Best PhD Thesis Award from Annamalai University in 2009. His main research areas include Physiology of Sports Training, Predictors of Human Performance, Fundamental Movement Skills, Yoga for Physical, Mental health &wellness. He has (co-)authored over 20 journal articles in peer-reviewed journals and serves as an invited reviewer for some exercise science and sports journals. He is a recipient of the Best Teacher Award awarded by Pondicherry University for 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017&2018; and the Prestigious UGC Research Award for 2016–18.His areas of sports specialization include Tennis, Ball Badminton, Cricket and Athletics. He attended the AITA Level I Coaches Course, is a qualified ITF Level I official, and qualified the FSTO examination conducted by the AFI.
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, Arts and Humanities
Scopus Publications
Scholar Citations
Scholar h-index
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Poli Borah, Ikram Hussain, Lakshyajit Gogoi, Karuppasamy Govindasamy, Surojit Sarkar, Masilamani Elayaraja, Ethiraj Balaji, and Hemantajit Gogoi
Sergii Iermakov
Background and Study Aim. The increasing recognition of pilates as a comprehensive exercise regimen tailored to the needs of the elderly population underscores its growing importance. This shift in emphasis reflects a growing awareness of the potential benefits of pilates for older adults' overall well-being. Study Aim - to investigate the potential benefits of a six-week mat pilates training (MPT) program on the functional fitness of older adults. Material and Methods. In total, a group of 30 elderly individuals (i.e., NMale=18 and NFemale=12), who regularly frequented a local playground, participated in a quasi-experimental study. The study involved pre-test and post-test assessments and was conducted over a period of six weeks. Participants underwent an MPT program (six days a week for six weeks, 60 minutes per session). Were assessed for various functional fitness parameters: lower-body strength (LBS), upper-body strength (UBS), aerobic endurance (AE), lower-body flexibility (LBF), upper-body flexibility (UBF), agility (AG), and Body Mass Index (BMI). A paired-sample t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results. The MPT resulted in significant (p<0.001) improvement in LBS (9.71%), UBS (8.33%), AE (7.11%), LBF (13.48%), UBF (98.78%) and AG (10.52%) post-intervention. However, no significant change was noted in the BMI. Conclusions. A MPT program significantly enhances various dimensions of functional fitness in older adults, excluding BMI. The study results have profound implications for older individuals’ well-being and quality of life. Given the global trend towards an ageing population, pilates emerges as an essential intervention for promoting active ageing, potentially improving daily functioning, reducing fall risk, and enhancing independence in the elderly.
Sangeeta Karlekar, , Sigamani Jayasingh Albert Chandrasekar, Masilamani Elayaraja, Hemantajit Gogoi, Karuppasamy Govindasamy, , , , and
Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Culture
Purpose: individuals with intellectual disability (ID) often experience challenges related to low levels of physical fitness, impacting both their physical and mental well-being. This study aims to evaluate the pulmonary function of children with ID and explore the effect of yoga practices on pulmonary function among the participants with ID. Material & Methods: the study was an assessor-blinded, randomised, controlled study. Participants clinically diagnosed with intellectual disability (ID) were randomly assigned to either yoga intervention or no intervention for a duration of 6 months. Pulmonary function test was assessed at baseline and after 6 months of intervention using a Helios 401 device. Results: in this study, a total of 56 adult participants of both sexes with intellectual disabilities (ID) were initially enrolled (n=56). Following the intervention, the final sample size was 48 participants. Notably, the participants in the yoga group demonstrated a statistically significant (p<0.05) improvement in pulmonary function parameters when compared to the control group. These findings suggest a positive impact of the yoga intervention on pulmonary function, highlighting its potential as a beneficial therapeutic approach for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The observed improvements underscore the significance of incorporating yoga into interventions aimed at enhancing respiratory well-being in this population. Conclusion: in conclusion, this randomized controlled study offers valuable insights into the effects of various types of yoga practice on the pulmonary function of healthy young adults with intellectual disabilities. The positive outcomes observed underscore the potential of yoga as an effective intervention for enhancing pulmonary function in individuals with intellectual disabilities. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the integration of yoga into interventions aimed at promoting respiratory well-being in this population. Further research and exploration of specific yoga practices may provide additional tailored approaches for optimizing the respiratory health of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Poli Borah, Masilamani Elayaraja, Jasvir Ram, Mou Pramanik, Tadang Minu, Likha Eichir, Zilpha A Modi, Lakshyajit Gogoi, and Karuppasamy Govindasamy
Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Culture
Background. Hypertension is a significant health concern in India, particularly among young adults. High blood pressure is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke and heart disease. One potential approach to managing hypertension is through non-pharmacological interventions, such as Yoga. Purpose. This randomised controlled trial aimed to assess the effects of a 12-week yoga intervention on cardiac autonomic function and blood pressure in young Indian adults with hypertension. Methods. A total of sixty-six patients with hypertension (age: 22.4 ± 0.9) were randomly allocated to either the Yoga Program Group (YPG) consisting of (n=33) participants who underwent the 12-week yoga intervention or the Control Group (CG) with (n=33) participants who did not receive any treatment. Assessments were conducted before and after the intervention period, measuring heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure. Results. A two-way mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant improvements in the YPG for several HRV parameters, including RR interval (p ≤ 0.001), RMSSD (p ≤ 0.001), NN50% (p ≤ 0.001), pNN50% (p ≤ 0.001), and HF (p ≤ 0.001). Additionally, LF (p ≤ 0.001) and LF/HF ratio (p ≤ 0.001) significantly decreased in the intervention group. Blood pressure parameters also demonstrated significant reductions (p ≤ 0.001) in the intervention group when compared to the control group. Conclusion. The findings of this study suggest that a 12-week yoga program positively impacts cardiac autonomic function and blood pressure in young Indian adults with primary hypertension. These results underscore the potential of Yoga as a non-pharmacological intervention for managing hypertension in this demographic.
Mou Pramanik, Navaraj Chelliah Rajkumar, Masilamani Elayaraja, Hemantajit Gogoi, and Karuppasamy Govindasamy
Horizon Research Publishing Co., Ltd.
Mou Pramanik, , Navaraj Chelliah Rajkumar, Masilamani Elayaraja, Hemantajit Gogoi, Karuppasamy Govindasamy, , , , and
Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Culture
This study delves into the pressing issue of obesity, a condition characterized by abnormal fat accumulation and a significant contributor to non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular ailments, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. With over 1 billion individuals globally classified as obese, addressing this epidemic is paramount. Purpose: this research aimed to evaluate the impact of a 12-week yoga training intervention on blood pressure and body composition among obese adolescents. Material & Methods: twenty four female adolescents 4 participants discared, aged 18-20 years, female adolescents were randomly assigned to two groups. One group performed yoga training interevention (YPG, n=10, age 19.2±0.4) for 12 weeks with two sessions (morning & evening) for three days a week. A second group acted as an control group (CG, 18.9±0.9). All participants completed the following tests before and after intervention; body weight, body mass index, free fat mass, body fat, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure. The results yielded promising outcomes, with all participants successfully completing the study, showcasing a 100% adherence rate without any training or test-related injuries. Results: the intervention led to significant improvements in several key parameters. In present study, body weight (p<0.001), a notable reduction in (BMI), BF% (p<0.001), SBP (p<0.001), MAP (p<0.001), and PP (p<0.001) were changed significantly. Conclusion: in conclusion, the 12-week yoga training program emerged as an effective strategy for reducing body composition indicators such as body weight, BMI, and BF%, while also positively impacting blood pressure parameters (MAP and PP) in obese female adolescents. These findings underscore the potential of yoga as a holistic approach in combating the obesity crisis and its associated health risks, offering a path toward healthier lifestyles for affected individuals.
Masilamani Elayaraja and Karuppasamy Govindasamy
DJ Studio Dariusz Jasinski
Various aerobic training approaches have garnered considerable interest in improving bone health in young individuals. This study examines the effects of high-impact and low-impact multi-aerobic training on bone density in healthy young students in an effort to enhance bone health. In this study, the primary objective is to assess the effects of diverse multi-aerobic training regimens on bone density among 20-25 year olds. This study also examines the benefits of integrating high-impact and low-impact exercises for improving bone health. We selected 120 participants (60 men and 60 women) for a 27-week randomized three-by-two experimental design. Three groups of participants were assigned to each exercise group: the high-impact group (HIEG), the low-impact group (LIEG), and the control group (CG). A bone density (BD) measurement was performed before and after the training program using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The results of an ANCOVA with baseline scores as covariates indicated a significant improvement (P < 0.05) in bone density among participants following the intervention. As compared to CG, both HIEG and LIEG improved bone density significantly (P < 0.05), suggesting multi-aerobic training promotes bone health effectively. It highlights the potential of both HIEG and LIEG in enhancing bone density in young individuals through a 27-week diversified multi-aerobic training program. In order to cultivate and enhance bone density among young individuals, regular multi-aerobic exercise is critical to their lifestyles. This can be used to formulate exercise interventions aimed at boosting bone health in both sexes.
Nafih Cherappurath, Md. Dilsad Ahmed, Guillermo Felipe López Sánchez, Shaheen Begum, N Sreelekha, M Elayaraja, Anoma Rathnayaka, and Dilshith Azeezul Kabeer
Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de Murcia
The Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic restricted our normal life activities for the past several months, continuing its impact. Its repercussions led many countries to remain locked down and closed institutions and workplaces. The closure severely impacted the sporting industry and hindered performing its normal activities. Sports and exercise are generally considered the best facilitator for embedding a healthy and active lifestyle and were not adequately advocated during the pandemic. This study aimed to examine the level of stress and depression among football players during the peak time of the Covid-19 outbreak. Furthermore, it measured whether the socio-demographic information, such as gender, region, and level of participation influenced participants' stress and depression during that time. A total of 204 football players recruited from different parts of India participated in this study. Participants’ responses to stress and depression were measured through the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Stress and depression showed a significant correlation among the footballers. Socio-demographic variables (except region, level of participation, and age), did not present any significant relationship. Footballers who experienced stress and depression during the Covid-19 pandemic showed positive correlations between the two constructs. Athletes from India's Southern region perceived higher stress levels than those from the Western part of India. The level of participation and age had no significant effect on the participants' perceived stress and depression. La pandemia del Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) restringió nuestras actividades de la vida normal durante los últimos meses, continuando con su impacto. Sus repercusiones llevaron a muchos países a permanecer confinados y cerrar instituciones y lugares de trabajo. El cierre afectó gravemente a la industria del deporte y dificultó el desempeño de sus actividades normales. Los deportes y el ejercicio generalmente se consideran el mejor facilitador para incorporar un estilo de vida saludable y activo y no se recomendaron adecuadamente durante la pandemia. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo examinar el nivel de estrés y depresión entre los jugadores de fútbol durante el pico del brote de Covid-19. Además, midió si la información sociodemográfica como el género, la región y el nivel de participación influyeron en el estrés y la depresión de los participantes durante ese tiempo. Un total de 204 jugadores de fútbol reclutados de diferentes partes de la India participaron en este estudio. Las respuestas de los participantes al estrés y la depresión se midieron a través de la Escala de Estrés Percibido (PSS) y el Cuestionario de Salud del Paciente (PHQ-9). El estrés y la depresión mostraron una correlación significativa entre los futbolistas. Las variables sociodemográficas (excepto región, nivel de participación y edad), no presentaron relación significativa. Los futbolistas que experimentaron estrés y depresión durante la pandemia de Covid-19 mostraron correlaciones positivas entre los dos constructos. Los atletas de la región sur de la India percibieron niveles de estrés más altos que los de la parte occidental de la India. El nivel de participación y la edad no tuvieron un efecto significativo sobre el estrés y la depresión percibidos por los participantes.
Nafih Cherappurath, Masilamani Elayaraja, Dilshith A. Kabeer, Amila Anjum, Paris Vogazianos, and Athos Antoniades
Walter de Gruyter GmbH
AbstractTennis is one of the most popular and widely played sports enjoyed by players of different age groups and genders as a profession as well as a mode of recreation. A novel method, PETTLEP imagery combines both conventional and non-conventional style of training of an athlete and improves one’s performance. This study aimed to analyze the tennis service performance of junior tennis players based on PETTLEP imagery training. Forty-four junior male tennis players (Mage=13.22 years, SD=0.42) were selected for the study. The investigator handed over the MIQ-R questionnaire to all the participants in which they scored 16 and above points as per previous research. The participants were equally divided (n=11) into three experimental groups (E1, E2, and E3) and a control group. The service performance outcomes of all the players were compared before and after a training session. The three experimental groups were assigned with service-specific training, service-specific training combined with PETTLEP imagery training, and PETTLEP imagery training alone, respectively, for three days per week for 12 weeks. They were tested on their service accuracy based on the International tennis number (ITN) manual on-court assessment test. The data were assessed for normality and analyzed using non-parametric methods to reveal main effects (each training method alone) as well as to calculate the combined effect of PETTLEP and service-specific training. Certain significant improvements in tennis service were observed with service-specific training alone. Though it marginally outperformed the PETTLEP imagery method, the most improved services were observed with both PETTLEP and service-specific training utilized together. This implies an additive effect when both methods are used together.
Md. Dilsad Ahmed, Walter King Yan Ho, Rudolph Leon Van Niekerk, Tony Morris, M. Elayaraja, Ki-Cheon Lee, and Edel Randles
Informa UK Limited
Abstract A purposive sample of 200 (100 active and 100 inactive) adolescent students between 11 and 17 years (mean age of active students 13.40 ± 1.64 and inactive students 13.18 ± 1.40) were invited to participate in this study. The self-esteem and goal orientation of the students were determined with Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale (1965) and the Task- and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire (TEOSQ), respectively. The health-related behavior and physical fitness of the students were determined by five tests measuring upper body strength, muscular endurance, aerobic endurance, flexibility, and body composition. Group comparisons of active and inactive students were done using descriptive statistics and independent samples t-tests, while Chi square tests were used to determine the adolescents’ time spent on sedentary activities, specifically on “Sunday” and the “Other Weekdays.” The results showed a significant difference between both groups on all of the parameters of health-related physical fitness components, self-esteem, and goal orientation. Active students had higher self-esteem and task orientation, whereas inactive students showed lower self-esteem and higher ego orientation levels.