Verbal and nonverbal communication differences between in-person and live-streamed group physical activity: a specific investigation into yoga instruction

Abstract

Live-streamed group exercise programmes are used increasingly to start or maintain physical activity behaviours. However, participants’ performance and long-term engagement can be impacted in live-streamed programmes due to communication gaps with the instructors and peers. We analysed verbal and nonverbal communication differences between in-person and live-streamed group yoga classes to understand current challenges in live-streamed exercise programmes. A total of 29 group yoga class videos (14 live-streamed and 15 in-person) were annotated and analysed for verbal and nonverbal communication events. We found significantly reduced individual feedback in live-streamed vs. in-person sessions, while the trend was reversed for physical pose demonstrations. Environmental incidents hindered fluent communication in live-streamed sessions. The study identified interaction gaps in live-streamed group physical training in both verbal and nonverbal communication, especially in relation to providing personalised feedback for performance improvement. Potential ways to improve instructor-participant interactions in future designs for remote exercise platforms are discussed.