Effect of Trataka on Cognitive Functions in the Elderly

Abstract

Background: Trataka, a type of yoga practice is considered to improve cognitive functions. The aim of this study was to test the effect of trataka on cognitive functions of elderly. Methods: 60 healthy elderly subjects were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The subjects were administered MMSE and those scoring 26 and above were selected for the study and randomly divided using randomized block design into 2 groups- Trataka and wait list control group. Trataka was given for a period of 1 month (26 days). The subjects in both groups were assessed on Day 1(pre and post intervention in trataka group and after quite sitting in control group), Day 30 on digit span test, Six letter cancellation test (SLCT), and Trail making test B (TMT B). Results: Friedman‟s Test and Wilcoxon Sign Rank Test showed that, at the 2nd follow up, there was significant improvement in digit span scores (z=-3.35, p< 0.01) in the trataka group. SLCT scores (t =5.08, p<0.01) and TMT B scores (t= -4.26, p< 0.01) improved immediately after the practice of Trataka (when baseline compared to 1st follow up). At 1 month follow-up, Trataka group showed significantly better performance in the SLCT test compared to baseline (t= -3.93, p< 0.01) and TMT B scores (t=7.09, p< 0.01). RMANOVA results also reiterated that there was significant interaction effect at the end of one month of trataka intervention as compared to control group on TMT-B and SLCT scores. Conclusion: The results of this study establish that Trataka can be used as a technique to enhance cognition in the elderly.