Search strategy

An initial limited search was conducted in MEDLINE database using keywords such as yoga, hypertension, and RCT. The search results were inspected to ensure that the relevant articles were identified. The text words contained in the titles and abstracts of relevant articles and the index terms used to describe the articles were used to develop a search strategy for MEDLINE. The search strategy will be adapted for other databases in consultation with an information specialist/librarian.

We aim to search for a wide range of sources to find both published and unpublished studies. The following databases will be searched: MEDLINE (1946-present), Embase (1974-present), CINAHL (1937-present), PsycINFO (1806-present), Allied and Complementary Medicine (AMED) (1985-present), Web of Science (1900-present), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (1996-present), Turning Research Into Practice (TRIP) (1997-present), AYUSH Research Portal, A Bibliography of Indian Medicine (ABIM), Digital Helpline for Ayurveda Research Articles (DHARA), CAM-QUEST, and Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ). The search for unpublished studies will include OpenGrey, EThOS, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. The reference list of all the identified reviews and studies included in the systematic review will be screened for additional studies. No language restrictions will be applied, and translations will be sought where necessary.