📄 Abstract
Background: Athletic performance depends on the coordinated functioning of multiple physiological systems. While modern sports medicine focuses on improving performance, preventing injuries, and enhancing recovery, Ayurveda offers a broader perspective by emphasizing the balance of Doshas, Agni, Dhatus, Ojas, and Prakriti. Integrating these concepts may provide a more personalized and holistic approach to athlete care. Objective: To explore the relevance of Ayurvedic physiological principles in sports medicine and propose an integrative model linking Ayurveda with contemporary exercise physiology. Methods: A review was conducted by interpreting classical Ayurvedic concepts in the context of modern sports physiology. Functional correlations were established between Tridosha, Panchavata, Panchapitta, Panchakapha, Agni, Sapta Dhatus, and Ojas and key determinants of athletic performance, recovery, and adaptation. Results: Vata correspond with movement, neuromuscular coordination, speed, agility, and reflexes; Pitta with metabolism, energy production, thermoregulation, focus, and competitive drive; and Kapha with structural integrity, muscular strength, endurance, recovery, and immunity. Agni is the physiological basis of efficient metabolism, nutrient utilization, and muscle recovery, while the Sapta Dhatus contribute to tissue nourishment, oxygen transport, musculoskeletal health, neural function, and regeneration. Ojas is an indicator of resilience, immune competence, recovery capacity, and sustained performance. These correlations support individualized exercise prescription, nutrition, recovery strategies, and sport selection based on an athlete's Prakriti and Doshic predominance. Conclusion: Ayurvedic physiology complements modern sports science by offering a personalized framework for optimizing athletic performance, enhancing recovery, reducing injury risk, and promoting long-term health. Integrating traditional wisdom with contemporary exercise physiology may contribute to the development of more comprehensive and athlete-centred sports medicine.
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📚 How to Cite:
Kamath Nagaraj, Lal Sarika , SPORTS PHYSIOLOGY IN AYURVEDA: A DOSHIC PERSPECTIVE AND ITS UTILITY IN SPORTS MEDICINE , Volume 11 , Issue 7, July 2026, EPRA International Journal of Research & Development (IJRD) , Pages: 268 - 272 ,