Research protocol for A study of association between Vataprakopak Hetu and Asthikshaya with special reference to Bone Mineral Density A Case Control study

Author(s):

Shilpa Gabhane*, Rajiv Mundane, Arun Wankhede, Nandkishor Bankar and Sachin Patil

Asthikshaya is a condition in which there is diminution of asthi dhatu takes place. Similar symptoms occur in osteoporosis. It is a major health problem of ageing population. Fracture is the most common complication of osteoporosis which increases the risk of morbidity as well as mortality. The causative factors of asthikshaya are not mentioned separately in ayurvedic text. According to ayurvedic principal of ashrayashrayee bhava, the factors causing vitiation of vata are responsible for the kshaya of asthi dhatu. But this association is not studied yet. So the objective of this study is to find association between factors causing vitiation of vata and asthikshaya. Two groups having 100 patients each will be enrolled for the study. Group-1 is cases having BMD t-score less than or equal to-1 and group 2 is controls having BMD t-score -1 and above. Every individual subjective will be assessed on subjective and objective parameters. 10 vatarakopak hetu will be analysed in these patients. Their existence, quantity, duration and frequency will be asked for. Observations obtained on the basis of examination of patients through the study will be entered in CRF and data collected will be presented in the form of table and graphs. Continuous variables will be compared between case and control by performing independent t-test. Categorical variables are compared by Chi-2 test. Association of risk factors and disease (cases) will be assessed by calculating odds ratio, 95% confidence interval. p<0.05 will be taken as statistical significance. We expect that this study proves this association then it will be very helpful in awaring the population regarding avoidance of these causes, prevention of disease and its further complications.