Effect of Trataka (A Yogic Cleansing Technique) on Post-Covid Cognitive Impairments in Elders

Abstract

Background: People who have survived COVID-19 frequently complain of cognitive dysfunction, which has been described as brain fog. Early reports describing a dysexecutive syndrome after COVID-19 and has considerable implications for occupational, psychological, and functional outcomes. It is well known that elders may be particularly susceptible to cognitive impairment after critical illness. Trāṭaka (a yogīc cleansing technique) is one of the Yogā practices which is considered to improve cognitive functions. The objective of this study was to determine whether Trāṭaka practice enhances the cognitive functions of the post covid elderly subjects. Material and Methods: Thirty elders who had enrolled in a thirty days Trāṭaka practice program. Their age ranged between 60 and 80 years (group average ±S.D., 68.5±6.3 years). Those who have any chronic illness and mental illness, and those who are not willing to participate were excluded. Trāṭaka intervention is given for 30 days, 1hour/day. At baseline and following thirty days, all participants completed DLST and SLCT. Results: Trāṭaka intervention showed significant change in DLST scores, increase (P-value< 0.000) in total attempted score, significant increase (P-value<0.000) in net score, significant reduction in wrongly attempted score (P-value<0.000). Significant change in SLCT scores, significant increase (P-value<0.000) in total attempted score, Similarly, significant increase (P-value<.000) in net score, significant reduction in wrongly attempted score (P-value<0.000). Conclusion: The thirty days Trāṭaka intervention was successful in enhancing the cognitive functions among post-covid elders.