Trataka: A Promising Intervention to Reduce Anxiety in Children? A Randomized Controlled Trial with Cognitive and Electrodermal Measures

Background: One in five children suffers crippling dental anxiety, and traditional calming methods often fall short. Trataka, an ancient yogic technique, offers a powerful new approach to manage this anxiety. Objective: The objective is to investigate whether Trataka practice is more effective than relaxation techniques in reducing anxiety in children undergoing dental procedures. Methodology: A two-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 120 children aged 8-11 years requiring local anesthesia for dental procedures. Participants were randomized to either a Trataka group (n = 60) or a relaxation techniques group (n = 60). Both groups received 4 weeks of training on their assigned intervention. The primary outcome was anxiety level measured by the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire (MASQ) administered pre- and postintervention. Secondary outcomes included electro-dermal activity (EDA) test results and the Stroop Colour Word Test (SCWT), both performed pre- and postintervention, and observed anxiety-related behaviors during procedures. Results: Children in the Trataka group exhibited a significantly greater reduction in anxiety compared to the relaxation techniques group, as measured by the MASQ score (P < 0.001) and lower EDA response during the SCWT (P < 0.01). The Trataka group also displayed fewer observed anxiety-related behaviors during procedures (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings suggest that Trataka may be more effective than relaxation techniques in reducing anxiety in children undergoing dental procedures.