Neuro-molecular Effects of Yoga and Endurance Exercises: Similarities and Dissimilarities

Ageing can be described as decline at molecular, cellular and physiological levels in a progressive fashion and is a risk factor for diseases like cancer and cardiovascular and neurological disorders. Brain ageing parallels the ageing of other organs with a gradual decline in memory, learning, motor coordination and attention impairment. Evidence suggests that oxidative stress may considerably contribute to the ageing process. Such oxidative stress may have some residual epigenetic effect and impact neural function at the molecular level. Considerable evidence has shown better health through Yoga and endurance exercises at physiological and psychological levels. Yet, not much is known about the exact molecular mechanism or pathway that operates in the induction of beneficial effects of either exercise or Yoga on human health. This chapter traverses the impact of exercise and Yoga at the neuro-molecular level and discusses the similarities and dissimilarities between the two regimes.