Impact of Yogic Exercise on Psychological Performance Among Handball Players

Abstract

The present study was conducted to assess the impact of 12 weeks of yogic training on certain physiological variables among male handball players. Sixty 16-19 years old players were assigned randomly into half to the yoga training and non-yoga control group. Resting heart rate, post-exercise heart rate recovery, blood lactate and blood glucose concentrations were determined pre- and post-intervention by use of a complex test specific to handball. Results demonstrated significant improvements in the yoga group: the yoga group showed reduced resting heart rate, increased heart rate recovery, facilitated lactate clearance, and enhanced blood glucose control. These results indicate that yogic training improves cardiovascular performance, metabolic recovery and may serve as a effective complementary training techniques among handball players.