Long-term effects of yoga-based practices on neural, cognitive, psychological, and physiological outcomes in adults: a scoping review and evidence map

This scoping review synthesizes 65 studies on adults with at least one year of yoga-based practice, spanning postures, breathing and meditation. Long-term yoga is associated with structural and functional brain changes, enhanced autonomic, hormonal and immune regulation, and reduced negative affect and psychopathology, with some cognitive benefits especially in older adults. The authors highlight heterogeneous methods and call for more rigorous, theory-driven research to clarify mechanisms and long-term trajectories of yoga’s effects.