Effect of Trataka (Yogic Visual Concentration) on the Performance in the Corsi-Block Tapping Task: A Repeated Measures Study
P. S. Swathi, Raghavendra Bhat, Apar Avinash Saoji
Frontiers in Psychology December 17, 2021 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.773049 (opens in new tab) via DOAJ
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA 20-minute session of Trataka, a yogic visual concentration practice, improved working memory, spatial memory, and spatial attention as measured by the Corsi-block tapping task, outperforming both baseline and a control session of eye exercises alone. Forty-one healthy adults aged about 23 years participated; after two weeks of training in Trataka and a one-week washout, each person completed both a Trataka session and an eye exercise session on separate days. The eye exercise session produced no significant changes in the task. The findings suggest Trataka may offer immediate cognitive benefits beyond simple eye movements.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Within-subjects experimental design Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 41 |
| Population | Healthy volunteers of both genders, mean age 23.21 years |
| Interventions | Trataka Eye exercise |
| Duration | 20 min/day for 6 days a week over 2 weeks training, plus 1-week washout, then two separate sessions |
| Keywords | Trataka Yoga Shatkriya Corsi-block tapping task Eye exercise |
| Key finding | Trataka session improved forward and backward Corsi span and total scores compared to baseline and eye exercises, while eye exercises alone showed no significant changes. |
Abstract
Background and Objective: Attention and memory are essential aspects of cognitive health. Yogasanas, pranayama, and meditation have shown to improve cognitive functions. There has been no assessment of Trataka (yogic visual concentration) on working or on spatial memory. The present study was planned to assess the immediate effects of Trataka and of eye exercise sessions on the Corsi-block tapping task (CBTT).Methods: A total of 41 healthy volunteers of both genders with age 23.21 ± 2.81 years were recruited. All participants underwent baseline assessment, followed by 2 weeks of training in Trataka (including eye exercise). Each training session lasted for 20 min/day for 6 days a week. After completion of the training period, a 1-week washout period was given. Each participant then was assessed in two sessions in Trataka and in eye exercise on two separate days, maintaining the same time of the day. Repeated measure analysis of variance with Holm’s adjustment was performed to check the difference between the sessions.Results: Significant within-subjects effects were observed for forward Corsi span andforward total score (p < 0.001), and also for backward Corsi span (p < 0.05) and backward total score (p < 0.05). Post hoc analyses revealed Trataka session to be better than eye exercises and baseline. The eye exercise session did not show any significant changes in the CBTT.Conclusion: The result suggests that Trataka session improves working memory, spatial memory, and spatial attention.