Screenshot of published research study titled Feasibility of a Yoga Intervention for Children and Adolescents Undergoing Hematopoietic Cell Transplant

Grounded Kids Yoga Featured in Study on Pediatric Cancer Care and Quality of Life

A new peer-reviewed study published in the International Journal of Yoga Therapy explores the feasibility of yoga for children and adolescents undergoing hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) — one of the most intensive medical procedures used to treat pediatric cancers and other life-threatening conditions.

This research is one of the first to examine how trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate yoga can be integrated into inpatient hospital care for youth. And we’re proud to share that Grounded Kids Yoga is cited in the manuscript as a resource for effective, child-centered curriculum.

You can read the full published article here:

Feasibility of a Yoga Intervention for Children and Adolescents Undergoing Hematopoietic Cell Transplant

Or download the PDF directly:

Download Study PDF

Why It Matters

The study found that a gentle, choice-based yoga intervention was not only safe and appropriate — it also helped participants engage with their bodies, regulate their emotions, and cope with a high-stress medical experience.

Researchers highlighted the importance of:

  • Sensory-sensitive movement and slow transitions
  • Visuals and sequencing tools
  • Patient-led adaptations for energy and pain levels
  • And most of all, teachers trained in trauma-informed kids yoga

That last point is where Grounded Kids Yoga comes in.

Our Role in the Field of Pediatric Yoga Therapy

At Grounded Kids Yoga, we train educators, clinicians, and parents to teach yoga with emotional fluency, energetic awareness, and developmentally appropriate structure. We’ve worked with hospital systems, pediatric clinics, and children’s mental health professionals for nearly two decades — and we’re honored to have our curriculum referenced in this study.

If you’re looking to integrate therapeutic yoga into your professional setting, we recommend starting with Step 1 of our training pathway. This foundational course covers:

  • Child development through the lens of the chakra system
  • Tools for self-regulation, grounding, and energy balance
  • Our trauma-aware sequencing system
  • Visual and sensory tools for accessibility
  • And ethical, culturally informed ways to teach real yoga to children

Whether you’re a yoga teacher, occupational therapist, social worker, or school counselor, our programs are designed to support your work with children and teens.

Explore our full training certification here:

Grounded Kids Yoga Trainings

Dig Deeper into the Research

This study is now part of our growing collection of evidence-based resources for educators and professionals. Visit our blog to explore more:

Research & Resources

More to Explore

  • Grounded Defined

    Through our programs, we endeavor to “ground” kids, teens, and adults via yoga, laughter, and elevation.  But what exactly does it mean to be grounded?  By formal definition courtesy of the Merriam-Webster on-line dictionary….

    grounded [ˈgraʊndɪd]

    adj

    sensible and down-to-earth; having one’s feet on the ground: mentally and emotionally stable : admirably sensible, realistic, and unpretentious <remains grounded despite all the praise and attention>

     

  • Sweeping Breath- Dr. Seuss Style (Siva Sutra 1.2 jnānam bandhaḥ)

    sweep-the-spineBondage and ignorance and limitation!
    Oh my!
    We contract like a sneeze~
    You want to know why?
    These are the roots of our issues,
    You see~
    Unworthiness, insecurity, feeling un-free.

    These deep darkened roots,
    known as Anava Mala,
    cloak our awareness
    like pollen all upon ‘ya.

    This pollen of unworthiness
    Helps us forget~
    How miraculous we are~
    We recoil ~we regret.

    We regret and we doubt.
    We feel separate and small.
    Our pimples and frizzes
    Keep us enthralled.

    How, do we, how do we
    How DO we re-remember?
    Our goodness, our freedom
    From here to September?

    Good question, my dear!
    So at your request~
    I’ll teach you the tools
    To elevate your quest!

    Your breath is the broom
    that sweeps away pollen,
    Shines light on the ignorance
    Which is hidden and smallen.

    Sit tall, close your eyes,
    Tune into your spine.
    Inhale your breath
    Down the left side line

    Sweep your breath out~
    On the same side,
    From bottom to top~
    Deep inside.

    Sweep your breath in,
    Down the right side this time.
    Get real close and real low~
    To release dust and grime.

    Sweep your breath out~
    From bottom to top.
    Keep sweeping your spine~
    No reason to stop!

    No reason to stop~
    Till you feel lighter and free!
    Relieved of unworthy
    Pollen and debris.

    The pollen of ignorance~
    And debris of limitation~
    Can be swept to the surface
    For expansive illumination.

    Each time we remember,
    We grow and expand~
    We become more real!
    And that is quite grand!.

  • Our Grounded Teen Poet

    Jordan Schuster (13 year old Grounded Teen) found yoga when she started middle school. She has continued her study of yoga over the years completing her Grounded Teacher Training and obtaining her Green Bandana. She is dedicated to her Grounded Teen and Adult yoga classes. She helped write the “Grounded in the Courtroom” video and…