Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part G (2025)

The present study examined the effects of an 8-week Bahiranga Yoga intervention on psychophysiological well-being among university student-athletes using a quasi-experimental waitlist-controlled design. One hundred participants (18–25 years) were randomly assigned to an experimental group receiving the Bahiranga Yoga program—comprising Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, and Pratyahara—or to a waitlist control group. Outcomes were assessed using the Patanjali Ashtang Yoga Adherence Questionnaire (PAYAQ), which measures six domains: Physiological Self-Regulation, Cognitive–Emotional Awareness, Psychological Resilience, Pro-social Ethical Conduct, Non-violent Self-Regulation, and Self-Acceptance & Contentment.

ANCOVA results demonstrated significant improvements across all six PAYAQ factors in the experimental group compared to controls, supported by strong effect sizes. Paired t-tests further confirmed substantial pre–post gains within the yoga group, indicating enhanced emotional regulation, resilience, ethical awareness, and overall self-regulation. The structured manualized program, integrating ethical reflection with physical and breath-based practices, effectively addressed gaps in previous yoga research that focused mainly on physical components.

The study highlights Bahiranga Yoga as an accessible, non-competitive, and holistic method suitable for educational and athletic settings. Limitations include the geographically restricted sample, reliance on self-report measures, and exclusion of Antaranga (internal) limbs. Future research should employ randomized controlled trials, incorporate physiological indices, and conduct comparative or cross-cultural evaluations.

Overall, findings provide strong evidence that Bahiranga Yoga enhances psychophysiological well-being and supports holistic development in student-athletes.