Ayurvedic Concept of Exercise in the Context of Sports Physiology: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: Sports physiology examines the acute and chronic physiological responses to exercise, including adaptations in metabolism, cardiovascular function, respiratory efficiency and maintenance of homeostasis. Ayurveda, particularly through the principles of Kriya Shareera, offers a functional understanding of body dynamics and emphasizes the role of Vyayama (exercise) in preserving health and enhancing physical capacity. Although both systems advocate regular physical activity for maintaining health and enhancing functional capacity, the conceptual relationship between modern sports physiology and Ayurvedic principles has not been comprehensively mapped.

Objective: To systematically map the available evidence describing the conceptual relationship between Ayurvedic principles of Vyayama and the physiological adaptations explained in modern sports physiology from a Kriya Shareera perspective. 

Eligibility Criteria: Classical Ayurvedic texts describing the concepts of Vyayama, Bala, Agni, and Dosha were included in the review. In addition, modern literature focusing on exercise physiology, sports physiology, and the cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and thermoregulatory responses to exercise was considered. Studies that did not address exercise physiology or the Ayurvedic principles related to exercise were excluded.

Sources of Evidence: Evidence was obtained from classical Ayurvedic texts including Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, authoritative commentaries, standard textbooks of physiology and sports physiology, and electronic databases including PubMed and Google Scholar. Charting Methods: The collected data were extracted, systematically organized and reviewed to understand how the Ayurvedic concept of Vyayama corresponds with the physiological adaptations to exercise described in modern medicine.

Results: The reviewed literature indicates that exercise induces well-established physiological adaptations, including improved muscle metabolism, increased cardiac output, enhanced oxygen utilization and efficient thermoregulation. These adaptations demonstrate conceptual parallels with Ayurvedic descriptions of appropriate Vyayama, which is associated with Laghava (lightness of the body), Karma Samarthya (enhanced functional efficiency), Sthairya (stability) and Agni Vriddhi (improvement in digestive and metabolic functions). Furthermore, balanced exercise is considered conducive to Dosha equilibrium and overall well-being, whereas excessive or improper exercise may aggravate Vata and contribute to fatigue and tissue depletion.

Conclusion: The present scoping review demonstrates considerable conceptual overlap between Ayurvedic principles of Vyayama and modern sports physiology. Both systems emphasize individualized exercise prescription, moderation, progressive adaptation and adequate recovery as essential determinants of health and physical performance. An integrative understanding of sports physiology and Ayurvedic Kriya Shareera may provide a holistic framework for understanding exercise responses and offers potential directions for interdisciplinary research in exercise science and health promotion.