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Scientific Research on Yoga > Basic Research > Physical Health and Performance

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Physical Health and Performance Musculoskeletal Functioning, Neuromuscular Functioning, Cardiovascular Functioning, Neuroendocrine Functioning, Respiratory Functioning, Balance and Coordination, Sleep, Sports Performance

Video Spotlight: Sleep

Watch this video to learn more about the research conducted on sleep and yoga.

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These citations were curated by Yoga Alliance's Director of Yoga Research, Dr. Sat Bir Singh Khalsa.

Review Papers

Review Papers (What's this?)

Effects of yogic breath regulation: A narrative review of scientific evidence.
Saoji AA, Raghavendra BR, Manjunath NK.
J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2019 Jan - Mar;10(1):50-58.
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The Effects of Thai Yoga on Physical Fitness: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials.
Kongkaew C, Lertsinthai P, Jampachaisri K, Mongkhon P, Meesomperm P, Kornkaew K, Malaiwong P.
J Altern Complement Med. 2018 Jun;24(6):541-551
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Effects of Bhramari Pranayama on health - A systematic review.
Kuppusamy M, Kamaldeen D, Pitani R, Amaldas J, Shanmugam P.
J Tradit Complement Med. 2017 Mar 18;8(1):11-16.
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Hypoxia in CNS Pathologies: Emerging Role of miRNA-Based Neurotherapeutics and Yoga Based Alternative Therapies.
Minhas G, Mathur D, Ragavendrasamy B, Sharma NK, Paanu V, Anand A.
Front Neurosci. 2017 Jul 11;11:386.
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Effects of Mindfulness Practice on Performance-Relevant Parameters and Performance Outcomes in Sports: A Meta-Analytical Review.
Bühlmayer L, Birrer D, Röthlin P, Faude O, Donath L.
Sports Med. 2017 Nov;47(11):2309-2321.
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The hypotensive effect of Yoga's breathing exercises: A systematic review.
Brandani JZ, Mizuno J, Ciolac EG, Monteiro HL.
Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2017 Aug;28:38-46.
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Anatomical Correlation of Core Muscle Activation in Different Yogic Postures.
Rathore M, Trivedi S, Abraham J, Sinha MB.
Int J Yoga. 2017 May-Aug;10(2):59-66.
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Effects of Various Prāṇāyāma on Cardiovascular and Autonomic Variables.
Nivethitha L, Mooventhan A, Manjunath NK.
Anc Sci Life. 2016 Oct-Dec;36(2):72-77.
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A Systematic Review of the Energy Cost and Metabolic Intensity of Yoga.
Larson-Meyer DE.
Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2016 Aug;48(8):1558-69.
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Yoga and physical exercise - a review and comparison.
Govindaraj R, Karmani S, Varambally S, Gangadhar BN.
Int Rev Psychiatry. 2016 Jun;28(3):242-53.
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Rhythmic breathing: immunological, biochemical, and physiological effects on health.
Sharma P, Thapliyal A, Chandra T, Singh S, Baduni H, Waheed SM.
Adv Mind Body Med. 2015 Winter;29(1):18-25.
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Role of respiration in mind-body practices: concepts from contemporary science and traditional yoga texts.
Telles S, Singh N, Balkrishna A.
Front Psychiatry. 2014 Nov 25;5:167.
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A systematic review of yoga for balance in a healthy population.
Jeter PE, Nkodo AF, Moonaz SH, Dagnelie G.
J Altern Complement Med. 2014 Apr;20(4):221-32.
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Defining yoga-nidra: traditional accounts, physiological research, and future directions.
Parker S, Bharati SV, Fernandez M.
Int J Yoga Therap. 2013;23(1):11-6.
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Meditative movement for respiratory function: a systematic review.
Lorenc AB, Wang Y, Madge SL, Hu X, Mian AM, Robinson N.
Respir Care. 2014 Mar;59(3):427-40.
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Sudarshan kriya yoga: Breathing for health.
Zope SA, Zope RA.
Int J Yoga. 2013 Jan;6(1):4-10.
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The effects of regular yoga practice on pulmonary function in healthy individuals: a literature review.
Abel AN, Lloyd LK, Williams JS.
J Altern Complement Med. 2013 Mar;19(3):185-90.
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Notable Publications

Notable Publications (What's this?)

Effect of Yoga practice on reducing cognitive-motor interference for improving dynamic balance control in healthy adults.
Subramaniam S, Bhatt T.
Complement Ther Med. 2017 Feb;30:30-35.
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Post-training Meditation Promotes Motor Memory Consolidation.
Immink MA.
Front Psychol. 2016 Nov 1;7:1698. eCollection 2016.
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Effects of yoga practice on muscular endurance in young women.
Shiraishi JC, Bezerra LM.
Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2016 Feb;22:69-73.
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Impact of 10-weeks of yoga practice on flexibility and balance of college athletes.
Polsgrove MJ, Eggleston BM, Lockyer RJ.
Int J Yoga. 2016 Jan-Jun;9(1):27-34.
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Ashtanga-Based Yoga Therapy Increases the Sensory Contribution to Postural Stability in Visually-Impaired Persons at Risk for Falls as Measured by the Wii Balance Board: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.
Jeter PE, Haaz Moonaz S, Bittner AK, Dagnelie G.
PLoS One. 2015 Jun 24;10(6):e0129646.
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Effects of a 12-Week Hatha Yoga Intervention on Cardiorespiratory Endurance, Muscular Strength and Endurance, and Flexibility in Hong Kong Chinese Adults: A Controlled Clinical Trial.
Lau C, Yu R, Woo J.
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:958727.
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Positive effect of yoga on cardiorespiratory fitness: A pilot study.
Sovová E, Čajka V, Pastucha D, Malinčíková J, Radová L, Sovová M.
Int J Yoga. 2015 Jul-Dec;8(2):134-8.
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Anthropometric and physiologic profiles of female professional yoga practitioners and energy expenditure during asanas execution.
Cè E, Maggioni MA, Boniello S, Veicsteinas A, Merati G.
J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2015 Jan-Feb;55(1-2):51-7.
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Hatha yoga on body balance.
Prado ET, Raso V, Scharlach RC, Kasse CA.
Int J Yoga. 2014 Jul;7(2):133-7.
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Yoga and psychophysiological determinants of cardiovascular health: comparing yoga practitioners, runners, and sedentary individuals.
Satin JR, Linden W, Millman RD.
Ann Behav Med. 2014 Apr;47(2):231-41.
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Hatha yoga practices: energy expenditure, respiratory changes and intensity of exercise.
Ray US, Pathak A, Tomer OS.
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:241294.
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The health benefits of yoga and exercise: a review of comparison studies.
Ross A, Thomas S.
J Altern Complement Med. 2010 Jan;16(1):3-12.
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Subjective Sleep Quality and hormonal modulation in long-term yoga practitioners.
Vera FM, Manzaneque JM, Maldonado EF, Carranque GA, Rodriguez FM, Blanca MJ, Morell M.
Biol Psychol. 2009 Jul;81(3):164-8.
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The metabolic cost of hatha yoga.
Clay CC, Lloyd LK, Walker JL, Sharp KR, Pankey RB.
J Strength Cond Res. 2005 Aug;19(3):604-10.
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Training to yoga respiration selectively increases respiratory sensation in healthy man.
Villien F, Yu M, Barthélémy P, Jammes Y.
Respir Physiol Neurobiol. 2005 Mar;146(1):85-96.
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The effects of yoga training and a single bout of yoga on delayed onset muscle soreness in the lower extremity.
Boyle CA, Sayers SP, Jensen BE, Headley SA, Manos TM.
J Strength Cond Res. 2004 Nov;18(4):723-9.
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Yoga and chemoreflex response to hypoxia and hypercapnia.
Spicuzza L, Gabutti A, Porta C, Montano N, Bernardi L.
Lancet. 2000 Oct 28;356(9240):1495-6. Erratum in: Lancet 2000 Nov 4;356(9241):1612.
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Effects of high-frequency breathing on pulmonary ventilation and gas exchange.
Frostell C, Pande JN, Hedenstierna G.
J Appl Physiol Respir Environ Exerc Physiol. 1983 Dec;55(6):1854-61.
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