Yoga for Athletes and Health Professionals: A Multidimensional Review of Evidence, Mechanisms, and Practice

Abstract

Yoga has become a scientifically proven multidimensional practise, which has contributed to physical performance, mental and holistic health. It is a review article summarising existing evidence of yoga incorporation in sports and healthcare with a particular emphasis on the physiological, psychological, and clinical mechanisms of yoga. In the case of athletes, yoga enhances flexibility, balance, concentration, and rest to add to the standard training paradigms. To health professionals, it also increases stress management, posture, mind-body awareness and creates resilience and occupational wellness. The paper focuses on mechanistic pathways entailing autonomic regulation and neuroplasticity as well as psychophysiological balance and tackles inconsistencies in methodological nature and changes in standard protocols. This review proposes an evidence-based system of integrative practise by combining the ancient yogic philosophy with contemporary sports and health sciences. The future directions will focus on collaboration in the interdisciplinary field, digital health initiatives, and changes happening in the educational frameworks and enhancing yoga as a scientifically founded, sustainable approach to optimising performance and overall health.