Abstract

Background: Mantra Yoga, an ancient mind-body practice involving the repetitive chanting sacred sounds or phrases, has been associated with numerous physiological and psychological benefits. From the medieval age, Mantra yoga the repetition of sacred sounds, words, or phrases has gained attention as a low-cost, accessible mind–body practice. Objective: To synthesise evidence on mantra yoga’s Physiological and health benefits for people with disabilities, including neurodevelopmental and acquired neurological conditions. Methods: Narrative review of experimental, clinical, and mechanistic studies on mantra/chanting practices and closely related mantra-based meditation, emphasising autonomic, neurophysiological, endocrine/immune, and cardiorespiratory outcomes. Results: Converging evidence indicates that mantra practices enhance parasympathetic activity and heart rate variability (HRV), reduce sympathetic arousal and cortisol, modulate brain activity (greater alpha/theta power; network “quieting”), and improve respiration and blood pressure regulation. In disability populations, small trials and pilots report benefits for motor coordination and attention in cerebral palsy, behavioural regulation in ADHD, social/communication skills in autism, and cognitive/emotional functioning after traumatic brain injury and stroke.

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