Yoga Research Paper Topics

Yoga now appears in thousands of peer‑reviewed studies across medicine, psychology, and education, influencing pain care, stress management, and classroom wellbeing. As a team at TopicSuggestions, we work with this literature every day, and we see how a centuries‑old practice that blends movement, breath, and attention also raises fresh cultural, ethical, and methodological questions for student researchers.

Today we will share a curated set of focused, student‑ready research paper topics that turn broad interest into clear, testable angles. We will group ideas by health sciences, psychology/neuroscience, education and sport, society/culture/history, public health/policy, and methods/measurement (with emerging tech and clinical translation sprinkled in), each with suggested variables and sample populations.

Good Yoga Research Paper Topics

We tried to keep these yoga research paper prompts concise so you can pick a direction and start drafting fast.

1. Drone Logistics Soundscapes and Prenatal Stress Biomarkers

– We ask: How do emerging drone delivery corridors reshape 24-hour neighborhood soundscapes, and how are those patterns associated with maternal cortisol, corticotropin-releasing hormone, and preterm birth risk?
– We examine: Do geofenced no-fly zones inadvertently concentrate noise over marginalized blocks, and do we observe dose–response effects on birthweight?

2. Cool Roofs, Street Trees, and Aedes aegypti Microhabitats

– We ask: How do combined cool-roof albedo upgrades and urban tree canopy expansions modify near-ground humidity and temperature in ways that shift Aedes aegypti breeding suitability?
– We test: Can we model synergistic or antagonistic effects of heat-mitigation strategies on vector abundance and dengue risk at the block level?

3. Ghost Kitchens and Foodborne Outbreak Detection Latency

– We ask: How has the proliferation of delivery-only “ghost kitchens” altered supply-chain mixing and spatial traceability in ways that delay syndromic surveillance signals?
– We probe: Can we leverage anonymized platform order graphs to accelerate cluster detection without compromising privacy, and what governance safeguards do we need?

4. Algorithmic Grocery Delivery Slot Allocation and Glycemic Control

– We ask: Do algorithmically prioritized early-day delivery slots for insulin-dependent households improve time-in-range metrics and reduce hypoglycemia events in food deserts?
– We examine: How do we redesign slot-allocation objectives to balance equity, fleet efficiency, and clinical outcomes?

5. Vertical Farm Humidity Plumes and Mold Burden in Adjacent Housing

– We ask: Do building-integrated vertical farms alter indoor humidity gradients and spore counts on neighboring residential floors, and how quickly do effects propagate?
– We investigate: Are respiratory symptom days, rescue inhaler use, and antifungal prescriptions measurably different pre- and post-commissioning?

6. Scented Transit Environments and Respiratory/Migraine Exacerbations

– We ask: Are ambient scent diffusers in transit hubs associated with short-term spikes in asthma exacerbations and migraine reports among high-frequency commuters?
– We explore: How do we simulate realistic dwell times and crowding to isolate dose–response relationships for fragrance compounds?

7. AI Voice Companions in Eldercare and Medication Adherence

– We ask: Do multilingual generative voice companions reduce loneliness while improving medication adherence without inducing dependency-related anxiety or privacy stress?
– We probe: How do we quantify benefit–burden trade-offs across dementia stages and digital literacy levels?

8. Heat Pump Low-Frequency Vibration and Sleep Architecture in Multifamily Housing

– We ask: As heat pumps replace gas furnaces, how do low-frequency vibration and tonal noise affect sleep efficiency, HRV, and morning glycemic control by floor level and building age?
– We test: Do targeted vibration isolation retrofits yield measurable cardiometabolic benefits within one heating season?

9. Climate-Adaptive School Uniforms, Cognitive Performance, and Heat Illness

– We ask: Do breathable, UV-reflective school uniforms paired with flexible dress codes reduce heat-related symptoms and improve exam performance during heat waves?
– We examine: How do we optimize fabric, color, and design for thermoregulation without exacerbating stigma or inequities in uniform affordability?

10. Cross-Border Remittance Fees and Childhood Vaccination Timelines

– We ask: Are temporal fluctuations in remittance transaction costs associated with delays in routine childhood vaccinations in migrant-sending communities?
– We investigate: Do fee waivers during crises shift clinic attendance patterns and reduce missed-opportunity rates for immunization?

11. Biomechanical micro-adjustments in advanced asanas: do sub-degree joint alignments change long-term musculoskeletal outcomes?

We ask: How do small (sub-degree) intentional micro-adjustments during advanced asanas alter joint loading patterns and injury risk over 12 months?
We will quantify: We will use marker-based motion capture, instrumented insoles, and musculoskeletal modeling to measure joint moments with and without micro-adjustments.
We will conduct: We will run a longitudinal cohort study of experienced practitioners randomized to an “alignment-aware” micro-adjustment training vs standard practice, with quarterly imaging (ultrasound/MRI), pain/function scales, and biomechanical reassessments.

12. Yoga breathing synchrony and collective physiological coherence in group classes

We ask: Does synchronous pranayama among group participants induce measurable physiological coherence (heart rate variability, respiratory phase-locking) and does that coherence predict group cohesion or learning outcomes?
We will quantify: We will record simultaneous HRV, respiratory traces, and skin conductance from all participants during guided synchronous vs asynchronous breathing.
We will analyze: We will use time-series synchrony metrics, social network surveys, and experimental manipulations (synchronous vs deliberately offset pacing) to test causal links between physiological entrainment and subjective cohesion.

13. Effects of yoga on the gut microbiome and metabolome in stressed caregivers

We ask: Does a structured yoga intervention shift gut microbial composition and metabolomic profiles in family caregivers experiencing chronic stress, and do these shifts mediate improvements in inflammation and mood?
We will sample: We will collect stool, plasma metabolomics, inflammatory markers (IL-6, CRP), and validated psychological scales pre-, mid-, and post-intervention.
We will integrate: We will apply multi-omics integration and mediation analyses to test whether microbiome/metabolome changes statistically mediate physiological and psychological outcomes.

14. Neural dynamics of non-linear vinyasa sequencing compared to canonical sequencing

We ask: Do unpredictable, non-linear sequencing styles (novel transitions and surprise postures) produce different neural activation/connectivity patterns and learning benefits compared with canonical, repetitive sequences?
We will measure: We will use EEG and fNIRS during simulated short sessions, and resting-state fMRI pre/post a multi-week training program of each sequencing type.
We will test: We will assess attentional engagement, procedural learning, and retention of novel transitions to correlate neural signatures with behavioral learning outcomes.

15. Circadian gene expression responses to time-of-day–matched yoga practice

We ask: Does performing the same yoga session at different circadian phases (dawn, midday, dusk) differentially affect peripheral circadian gene expression, sleep architecture, and metabolic markers?
We will collect: We will obtain peripheral blood mononuclear cells for transcriptomic assays (core clock genes), actigraphy, polysomnography substudies, and metabolic panels across randomized time-of-day interventions.
We will analyze: We will perform time-of-day × intervention interaction analyses to identify optimal circadian windows for specific physiological benefits.

16. Climate-adapted yoga: thermal stress physiology and adaptive sequencing in extreme environments

We ask: How do modified yoga sequences designed for heat or cold exposure alter thermoregulatory responses, cardiovascular strain, and cognitive performance compared with standard practice?
We will simulate: We will run controlled-environment trials (heat chamber, cold chamber) with physiological monitoring (core temperature, sweat rate, HR, blood pressure) and cognitive tests.
We will develop: We will use these data to create evidence-based sequencing and hydration/attire guidelines tailored to climatic stressors.

17. VR-guided haptic-feedback yoga vs live-instructor training for embodiment learning

We ask: Can virtual reality with adaptive haptic feedback achieve comparable embodiment, motor learning, and safety outcomes to in-person instruction for complex asanas?
We will design: We will build a VR system with motion tracking and wearable haptic actuators providing corrective cues, and compare it in an RCT against live instruction.
We will outcome: We will measure kinematic accuracy, retention at 1 and 3 months, injury incidence, and participant-reported embodiment and presence.

18. AI-personalized yoga protocols for gait rehabilitation after stroke

We ask: Can a machine-learning model that personalizes yoga pose selection and progression based on gait metrics accelerate recovery of walking speed and symmetry compared with standardized physiotherapy?
We will implement: We will train models on wearable sensor data (IMUs), clinical scales, and outcomes from pilot datasets to generate individualized yoga-based exercise plans.
We will evaluate: We will test in a randomized feasibility trial measuring gait speed, symmetry, falls risk, and ADL function over 6 months.

19. Transnational evolution of hybrid yoga practices in immigrant communities: embodied knowledge retention across generations

We ask: How do embodied yoga techniques transform across first, second, and third-generation immigrants, and what mechanisms preserve or alter tacit movement knowledge?
We will conduct: We will perform multi-site ethnography, movement capture of familial teaching sessions, oral histories, and intergenerational comparative motor assessments.
We will synthesize: We will integrate qualitative thematic analysis with quantitative measures of movement fidelity to map transmission pathways and cultural adaptations.

20. Thermal and microbiological skin ecology changes from daily yoga mats in communal studios

We ask: How does repeated daily yoga practice in communal studios modify skin microbiome, local skin barrier function, and dermatologic symptom emergence among frequent users, and which mat-cleaning protocols mitigate adverse shifts?
We will sample: We will longitudinally sample skin swabs (hands, feet, back), mat surfaces, and assess transepidermal water loss and dermatitis scoring across different cleaning regimens.
We will recommend: We will use culture-independent sequencing, qPCR for pathogens, and intervention comparisons to develop evidence-based hygiene protocols for studios.

21. Biophysical mapping of microcirculation responses to advanced pranayama using wearable optical sensors

We ask whether distinct pranayama techniques produce reproducible microvascular perfusion signatures measurable with wearable laser-Doppler/PPG arrays. We ask whether those microcirculatory changes correlate with ECG- and HRV-derived autonomic markers and subjective breathwork depth. We will run a within-subject crossover study with experienced and novice practitioners, deploy multi-site PPG/laser sensors and simultaneous ECG/NIRS, and analyze time-frequency coherence and mixed-effects models to link physiological signatures with practice parameters.

22. Yoga-induced modulation of the gut microbiome and metabolome following a structured Yoga Nidra intervention

We ask whether a 8–12 week Yoga Nidra program yields consistent shifts in fecal microbiome composition and stool/blood metabolomic profiles relative to active control. We ask whether microbiome/metabolome changes mediate reductions in perceived stress and sleep architecture measured by actigraphy. We will conduct a randomized controlled trial with shotgun metagenomics, targeted metabolomics, inflammatory markers, and mediation analysis to test causal pathways.

23. Vestibular-targeted yoga sequences to improve spatial navigation and fall-risk biomarkers in older adults

We ask whether yoga sequences emphasizing controlled head/eye movements and asymmetric postures improve allocentric spatial navigation and vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials in adults over 65. We ask whether improvements translate to objective gait stability and reduced fall-risk scores. We will design a pragmatic RCT with vestibular function testing, virtual-reality navigation tasks, wearable gait sensors, and longitudinal follow-up for incident falls.

24. Machine‑learning derived pose-variability metrics to predict musculoskeletal injury risk in novice yoga practitioners

We ask whether automated pose variability and velocity metrics from video/IMU data can predict early overuse or acute injury risk in novices during a 12-week training course. We ask which kinematic features (e.g., asymmetry, joint-range variability) are most predictive after adjusting for age, BMI, and prior activity. We will collect synchronized video and IMU from classes, label injuries/complaints, train interpretable ML models (e.g., gradient-boosted trees with SHAP explanations), and validate prospectively.

25. Effects of partner-assisted restorative yoga on attachment security and physiological co-regulation in couples exposed to trauma

We ask whether structured partner-assisted restorative sequences increase attachment security and dyadic physiological synchrony (heart rate, skin conductance) in couples where one partner has trauma-related symptoms. We ask whether changes in co-regulation mediate improvement in PTSD symptoms and relationship functioning. We will implement a controlled pilot with dyadic behavioral coding, simultaneous ambulatory physiology, and longitudinal follow-up with actor–partner interdependence modeling.

26. Comparative life‑cycle environmental footprint of in-person, synchronous livestream, and asynchronous pre-recorded yoga teacher trainings

We ask how carbon, water, and material footprints differ across delivery modes and which components (travel, server energy, printed materials) dominate environmental cost. We ask whether hybrid curriculum design reduces footprint without sacrificing educational outcomes. We will perform a life-cycle assessment combined with participant learning outcome measures and scenario modeling to inform sustainable training guidelines.

27. Impact of dawn outdoor hatha yoga on circadian phase markers and mood compared to light therapy alone

We ask whether combining natural dawn light exposure with moderate hatha practice advances circadian phase (dim-light melatonin onset) more than light therapy or yoga alone. We ask whether phase shifts mediate sustained mood improvements in subthreshold seasonal mood disturbance. We will run a randomized, controlled, crossover trial with salivary melatonin sampling, actigraphy, mood scales, and careful control of light exposure conditions.

28. Yoga movement effects on intraocular pressure and ocular perfusion in patients with early glaucoma

We ask which yoga poses or breathwork patterns acutely raise or lower IOP and ocular perfusion pressure in patients with early open-angle glaucoma. We ask whether a modified practice protocol can be safe and beneficial for glaucoma patients over 6 months. We will conduct a mixed-methods study combining immediate IOP monitoring during pose sequences, ophthalmic vascular imaging, and a supervised intervention with ophthalmologic safety endpoints.

29. Epigenetic signatures of long-term yoga practice in first responders: DNA methylation and inflammatory gene expression

We ask whether sustained yoga-based interventions produce reproducible changes in DNA methylation patterns of stress/inflammation-related loci in first responder cohorts. We ask whether epigenetic shifts correspond to changes in inflammatory cytokines, cortisol rhythms, and resilience scales. We will perform a longitudinal cohort study with targeted and epigenome-wide methylation assays, RNA expression, and integrated multi-omics time-series analysis.

30. Chant-based yoga interventions and neural language network reorganization in bilingual aphasia recovery

We ask whether rhythmic chanting and mantra-based practices facilitate reorganization in bilateral neural language networks and accelerate naming/repetition recovery in bilingual individuals with post-stroke aphasia. We ask whether language-specific chant interventions differentially benefit the dominant versus non-dominant language. We will run a pilot randomized study with fMRI connectivity, standardized aphasia batteries in both languages, and crossover chant protocols tailored to linguistic features.

31. Vagal-Modulated Microbiome Shifts from Daily Pranayama: Can breathwork alter gut microbial composition via autonomic pathways?

We ask: What specific microbiome taxa change following a controlled pranayama regimen that increases vagal tone; Do changes correlate with heart rate variability and inflammatory markers; Are effects dose-dependent and sustained after cessation?
We will work by running a randomized crossover trial with healthy volunteers, combining HRV monitoring, stool 16S/shotgun metagenomics, plasma cytokines, and standardized breathwork protocols; we will analyze mediation by HRV and use mixed models to test time × intervention effects.

32. Yoga Micro-Alignment and Plantar Pressure Asymmetry: Can real-time biofeedback reduce asymmetrical loading and future lower-limb injury risk?

We ask: Does instructor-guided micro-adjustment using in-situ plantar pressure biofeedback during asana practice reduce side-to-side pressure asymmetry; Do long-term changes predict reduced musculoskeletal pain or injury incidence?
We will work by instrumenting subjects with pressure-sensing insoles during targeted standing and balance asanas, deliver randomized biofeedback vs. sham feedback sessions, track pain/injury outcomes for 12 months, and apply survival analysis and machine-learning classification on pressure patterns.

33. Yoga for Vestibular Re-adaptation After Spaceflight: Can tailored asana and gaze-stabilization accelerate sensorimotor recovery in returning astronauts?

We ask: Which combinations of dynamic balance asanas and pranayama-based gaze control most rapidly restore vestibular function after microgravity exposure; Are neural adaptation markers detectable via fMRI/EEG?
We will work by partnering with analog astronauts or short-duration flight crew, implementing pre/post flight vestibular testing, progressive yoga-based vestibular training protocols, neuroimaging for sensorimotor integration, and longitudinal functional outcome measures.

34. Yoga-Induced Glymphatic Enhancement Through Nighttime Restorative Sequences: Do pre-sleep yoga protocols increase cerebrospinal fluid clearance biomarkers?

We ask: Does a 20–30 minute restorative yoga sequence immediately before sleep increase nocturnal glymphatic activity (measured indirectly via plasma/CSF waste-product kinetics or advanced MRI); Which breathing patterns optimize clearance?
We will work by conducting overnight polysomnography with pre-sleep yoga vs. control, use timed plasma/CSF sampling for proteins like amyloid-beta/tau where feasible, apply diffusion MRI markers of perivascular flow, and model sleep architecture mediation.

35. Endocannabinoid Pathways as Mediators of Yoga Effects in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Is yoga altering peripheral endocannabinoid tone to relieve symptoms?

We ask: Does a standardized yoga intervention change circulating endocannabinoids (AEA, 2-AG) in IBS patients; Do these changes mediate symptom relief and gut motility alterations?
We will work by running an RCT in IBS with symptom diaries, gut transit times, plasma endocannabinoid panels, and stool metabolomics; we will perform causal mediation analysis and ex vivo assays on biopsies when available.

36. Transgenerational Epigenetic Signatures of Lifelong Yoga Practice: Are there heritable methylation patterns associated with multigenerational practitioners?

We ask: Do long-term yoga practitioners exhibit distinct epigenetic marks in stress- and inflammation-related genes; Are similar marks detectable in their offspring independent of lifestyle confounders?
We will work by recruiting multigenerational practicing families and matched non-practicing controls, performing epigenome-wide methylation profiling, controlling for environment via sibling/comparative designs, and testing for inheritance patterns and functional gene expression.

37. Community Yoga Interventions to Reduce Climate Anxiety in Coastal Populations: Can place-based breathwork build resilience to eco-distress?

We ask: Does a culturally adapted, community-led yoga program reduce climate anxiety and promote collective adaptive behaviors among at-risk coastal residents; Which components (somatic vs. educational) drive change?
We will work by co-designing interventions with community stakeholders, deploying cluster-randomized trials with psychometric, behavioral, and social-cohesion metrics, and using mixed-methods process evaluation to identify active ingredients.

38. Mirror-Yoga for Phantom Limb Pain: Can combined mirror therapy and adaptive asana retraining reduce cortical mismatch and pain intensity?

We ask: Is a protocol that integrates mirror visual feedback with therapist-guided yoga-like movements on the intact limb more effective than mirror therapy alone for phantom limb pain; Do changes reflect cortical reorganization on EEG/fMRI?
We will work by developing a standardized mirror-yoga regimen, running an RCT in amputees, assessing pain scales, sensorimotor mapping with neuroimaging, and analyzing correlations between cortical changes and clinical response.

39. AI-Driven Temporal Microstructure of Asana Practice: Can high-resolution sequencing of pose transitions predict autonomic and affective outcomes?

We ask: Do specific micro-timings and transition patterns between asanas (captured by wearable sensors and video) predict immediate HRV and mood shifts better than pose duration alone; Can we train models to recommend personalized transition tempos?
We will work by collecting multimodal sensor/video datasets during guided sessions, label transitions and contextual cues, apply deep learning sequence models to predict physiological/affective outputs, and run adaptive pilot trials using model-generated tempo feedback.

40. Cultural Appropriation Perceptions and Ethical Teaching Practices in Diaspora Yoga Communities: How do provider narratives shape participant identity and retention?

We ask: How do participants of diverse backgrounds perceive cultural authenticity and appropriation in local yoga offerings; Which instructor disclosures or curricular choices influence perceived respectfulness and long-term engagement?
We will work by conducting ethnographic fieldwork, semi-structured interviews with practitioners and teachers across diasporic communities, experimental vignettes manipulating disclosure practices, and thematic analysis linked to retention metrics collected longitudinally.

41. Vestibular and proprioceptive recalibration through adapted asana sequences for microgravity (spaceflight countermeasures)

We ask whether a tailored asana sequence can accelerate vestibular-proprioceptive recalibration after simulated microgravity. We ask which specific postures and transition velocities most effectively restore balance and sensorimotor integration. We ask whether changes are measurable with inertial sensors, vestibular-evoked potentials, and functional connectivity. We will run a randomized crossover study using head‑down bed rest and short‑arm human centrifuge protocols, deliver a standardized adapted-yoga intervention, collect wearable inertial data, vestibular testing, and pre/post fMRI; and we will analyze temporal dynamics of sensorimotor recovery using time-series models.

42. Breath-hold (kumbhaka) dynamics and nonlinear cardiac baroreflex modulation

We ask how voluntary breath retention alters nonlinear properties of heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity compared with paced breathing and apnea controls. We ask whether specific patterns (length, phase relative to inhale/exhale) produce reproducible autonomic signatures and whether trained practitioners show different adaptation. We will conduct controlled laboratory experiments with graded kumbhaka protocols, record continuous ECG, beat-to-beat blood pressure, and respiratory signals, compute sequence and model-based baroreflex metrics plus fractal/nonlinear HRV indices, and use mixed-effects models to link practice history to autonomic outcomes.

43. Sequence-specific asana flows as modulators of gut microbiome function and short-chain fatty acid profiles

We ask whether repeated performance of distinct, choreographed asana sequences (e.g., spine-focused vs. hip-opening flows) produces differential shifts in gut microbial composition and metabolite (SCFA) concentrations. We ask whether observed microbiome changes correlate with autonomic markers and gut transit measures. We will perform a longitudinal trial assigning participants to different asana-sequence arms, collect stool for 16S/metagenomics and targeted metabolomics, measure gut transit time and autonomic tone, and use compositional and mediation analyses to test sequence→microbe→physiology pathways.

44. Phonation-based yoga (mantra/OM) and laryngeal biomechanics: impact on voice function and speech-in-noise perception

We ask whether regular practice of sustained mantra phonation alters vocal fold vibration patterns, subglottal pressure control, and auditory-perceptual speech-in-noise performance. We ask whether tonal characteristics of different mantras produce distinct biomechanical adaptations. We will recruit novice and experienced chanting practitioners, perform high-speed laryngoscopy/stroboscopy, aerodynamic voice measures, acoustic analysis, and speech-in-noise tests pre/post a 12-week chanting protocol, and model biomechanical changes against perceptual and cognitive auditory outcomes.

45. Integrated yoga lifestyle and epigenetic aging: longitudinal effects on DNA methylation clocks

We ask whether a comprehensive yoga lifestyle (asana, pranayama, sleep hygiene, vegetarian diet, and mindfulness) slows or reverses epigenetic age acceleration compared with matched physical-exercise controls. We ask which lifestyle components most strongly associate with clock changes. We will run a 12‑month randomized pragmatic trial, collect blood for DNA methylation analyses (multiple epigenetic clocks), detailed lifestyle adherence logs, and perform causal mediation analysis to parse component contributions.

46. Efficacy of AI‑guided real‑time pose correction with affective sensing versus human instructor for chronic low back pain

We ask whether an AI coaching system that integrates pose estimation and affective state sensing (facial/physiological) achieves noninferior pain reduction and adherence compared with human-led yoga therapy. We ask what error patterns in AI feedback predict poorer outcomes. We will develop/validate the AI system, run a noninferiority RCT with wearable sensors and patient-reported outcomes, log interaction data for failure-mode analysis, and use predictive modeling to identify subgroups who benefit most from automated coaching.

47. Neurophenomenology of nondual experiences induced by advanced yoga practices and their effect on social cognition networks

We ask how subjectively reported nondual or self-transcendent states during prolonged practice correspond to acute changes in default mode, salience, and theory-of-mind network connectivity. We ask whether induced nondual states transiently enhance empathy or reduce social pain sensitivity. We will combine micro-phenomenological interviews and experience sampling with simultaneous EEG/fMRI during guided advanced practice sessions, administer social cognition tasks, and apply representational and connectivity analyses informed by first-person reports.

48. Workplace micro-retreats: acute cognitive and emotional resilience effects of brief high-dose yoga during work hours

We ask whether 15–20 minute intensive yoga micro-retreats (combining movement, breathwork, and guided attunement) delivered during lunch breaks produce measurable improvements in same‑day cognitive performance, stress biomarkers, and emotional regulation compared with passive breaks. We will implement ecological field experiments across workplaces, use EMA (ecological momentary assessment), wearable cortisol proxies and HRV, and short cognitive batteries to assess within-day trajectories using hierarchical time-series models.

49. Phylogenetic and network analysis of asana transmission: mapping innovation, hybridization, and cultural selection across teacher lineages

We ask whether asana morphological traits show tree-like descent or convergent evolution across global yoga lineages and whether social network structure predicts repertoire diffusion. We ask which posture features are most evolutionarily labile. We will build a coded corpus of asanas (structural features), reconstruct lineage metadata, apply phylogenetic and network diffusion models, and test hypotheses about cultural selection, borrowing, and stepwise innovation.

50. Life-cycle assessment of international yoga tourism versus sustainable local practice: carbon, biodiversity, and socioeconomic trade-offs

We ask what the comparative environmental footprint (transport, accommodation, site impacts) of popular international yoga retreats is versus equivalent local practice options, and how different models affect local biodiversity and community livelihoods. We will perform LCA analyses of representative retreat case studies, conduct on-site biodiversity and socioeconomic surveys, model scenarios for sustainable certification standards, and synthesize policy recommendations using multi-criteria decision analysis.