The Role of Yoga in Injury Prevention for Athletes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60081/SSHA.3.1(Spl).2025.454-459Keywords:
Yoga , Injury PreventionAbstract
Injury prevention is a critical aspect of athletic training, as injuries can significantly impact performance and career longevity. Yoga has gained recognition as a complementary practice for athletes due to its emphasis on flexibility, strength, balance, and mindfulness. This study explores the role of yoga in injury prevention among athletes by examining its physiological and biomechanical benefits. Regular yoga practice enhances flexibility, reducing the risk of muscle strains and joint injuries. It also strengthens stabilizing muscles, improving postural control and alignment, which are essential for injury prevention. Additionally, yoga promotes proprioception and body awareness, enabling athletes to recognize movement patterns that may lead to injury. The integration of breathing techniques (pranayama) and mindfulness further aids in stress reduction and recovery, lowering the risk of overuse injuries. This review highlights existing research supporting the effectiveness of yoga as an injury prevention strategy and suggests practical applications for incorporating yoga into athletic training programs.
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