Assessment of yogic relaxation techniques for its anxiolytic effects in patients requiring endodontic treatment: A prospective, randomized controlled study.

Background: The aim of the study is to assess the anxiolytic effects of yogic relaxation technique (YRT) in patients requiring root canal treatment (RCT).

Materials And Methods: In this prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 30 patients undergoing RCT with baseline visual analog scale for anxiety (VAS-A) of score >4 were divided into Group 1: YRTs; Group 2: alprazolam (0.25 mg/0.5 mg), and Group 3: placebo. After 30 min of completion of YRT, endodontic treatment was performed. Reduction in anxiety was analyzed using state anxiety score (domain) of the state-trait anxiety inventory scale.

Results: There was no significant difference in anxiety score 1 h before RCT between groups ( = 0.401). Ten minutes before ( < 0.0001) and after RCT ( < 0.0001), there was significant difference between groups (yogic relaxation vs. alprazolam [ < 0.0001]; yogic relaxation vs. placebo [ < 0.0001]). Ten minutes before RCT, yoga relaxation showed significant difference in anxiety score for pain versus alprazolam and placebo ( < 0.0001 for both). Ten minutes after RCT, the change from baseline in mean anxiety score for pain was significantly different with yogic relaxation (versus alprazolam [ = 0.043]; versus placebo [ = 0.002]). As per the global assessment of efficacy, the response was excellent in 9 (90%), 2 (20%), and 1 (10%) patients in yoga relaxation group, alprazolam group, and placebo group, respectively. Difference in response between three groups was significant ( < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the global assessment of tolerability between three groups ( = 0.535). No adverse events were reported.

Conclusion: Before RCT, YRT is an effective alternative to anxiolytic agents, alprazolam.