Bibliometric analysis of yoga scientific publications : An analysis of PubMed database 1948 - 2018

Background : Bibliometrics is a tool used to achieve quantitative research assessment exercises of academic output in the field of scientific research. Yoga is practiced in different parts of the world. Yoga acknowledges the unity of mind, body and spirit, mind-body fitness, and helps people pursue peace and mindfulness in their lives. This bibliometric study aims to map the trend of yoga research globally using bibliometric tools. Methods : We have employed advance search in PubMed using the specific MeSH term “Yoga” and other yoga similar words such as “Yogic”, “Pranayama” and “Asana”. We haven’t restricted the timeline or country-specific for the search. We have curated the bibliometric data by the year of publication, by the name of the journal, and by the number of authors contributed. Findings : We retrieved 4,320 research papers from the PubMed database. The research article publications on yoga have increased tenfold after the year 2000. The original articles and clinical studies were common articles published over the last two decades in the yoga system. The International Journal of Yoga has the highest number of yoga research publications. Nearly 80 % of articles were published by less than five authors. Conclusion : Globally, increased investment and high attention on yoga have resulted in an increase in research publications. The scientific study of Yoga has increased substantially in recent years and many clinical trials have been designed to assess its therapeutic effects and benefits.