Correlation of cervical range of motion with Prakriti: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Prakriti of an individual is formed by the dominance of Dosha at the time of fertilization and it indicates the phenotypic and genotypic constitution. Most of the characters described for the assessment of Prakriti are subjective and the objective characters described are also not well measurably quantified, leading to gross chances of variability in the assessment of Prakriti. To minimize this variability in assessment, measurable variables need to be developed for the assessment of Dosha and Prakriti of individuals. Estimating the range of motions (ROMs) of the joints can be a good measurable variable for the assessment of the dominant Dosha. In the present study, cervical ROMs (CROMs) have been estimated in individuals of different Prakriti. Methods: The study's design was a cross-sectional study. A total of 150 apparently healthy individuals of either sex of age 21–40 years were selected through simple random sampling from the population residing in Delhi. Prakriti of the study participants was assessed through the questionnaire, and the different CROMs were measured by the goniometer. The association of CROM in different groups of Prakriti was statistically analyzed by one-way analysis of variance. Result: Individuals of Pitta Kaphaj and Pitta Vataj Prakriti have a significantly higher value of the ROM in cervical flexion (P < 0.001) and the individuals of Pitta Kaphaj Prakriti have also a significantly higher value of the ROM in cervical right lateral flexion (P = 0.016) and cervical left lateral flexion (P = 0.045). Conclusion: There are differences observed in the goniometric measurement of CROM among different Prakriti. Individuals of Pitta-dominant Prakriti have more CROMs in comparison to Vata-dominant and Kapha-dominant Prakriti individuals.

Keywords

• cervical range of motion
• dosha
• goniometer
• prakriti