Background: Previously, the reasons to practice yoga were reported in non-clinical populations. Patients’ motivators for yoga as therapy have not been reported.

Methods: A convenience sampling survey was conducted on 1077 patients (age range: 18-83 years; M:F=57.17:42.83) at a yoga therapy in India. Participant reported motivators for yoga therapy were assessed with a multiple choice questionnaire.

Results: The three most common motivators for yoga therapy were: (i) advice from close associates (26.3 percent), (ii) disease symptom reduction (20.0 percent) and (iii) interest in yoga (14.9 percent). The motivators to yoga differed for patients with and without prior exposure to yoga (Chi square =79.42, df = 16, p<0.001, Cramer’s V = 0.29).

Conclusions: In the present clinical population, the motivators for yoga as a therapy differ based on prior exposure to yoga.