An Investigation of the Effects of Yoga on the Psychological Well-Being of Young Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Cureus June 1, 2025 Priyanka Saraswati, Satish Kanaujia, Ghanshyam Singh Thakur et al. 1 citation
A month-long yoga program combining pranayama (breath control) and meditation reduced stress and increased mindfulness and psychological flexibility in recreational athletes aged 18 to 45. Compared to a control group that received no treatment, the yoga group showed significantly lower stress levels and fewer negative emotional states, along with higher dispositional mindfulness. Stress reduction and mindfulness improvement strongly predicted everyday psychological flexibility skills. The findings suggest that regular yoga practice supports mental and emotional health beyond physical fitness, helping athletes manage stress and regulate emotions.