“A comparative study to evaluate the augmentative effect of Marma Chikitsa 

in Knee osteoarthritis (Sandhigatavata)”  

 INTRODUCTION

Marma chikitsa is based on a deep understanding of the design and working of the human body which utilizes various points or areas of the body for preventive and therapeutic health benefits using the various manipulative techniques to complex procedures. Marma, by definition are the various seats or specific locations of Prana in the body ^[1]. Marma points are anatomical sites where muscles, vein, ligaments, bones and joints meet together 

SANDHIGATA VATA

Sandhigata vata is a type of Vata vyadhi which commonly occurs in old age due to Vata vitiation and depletion of body tissues (Dhatus) which causes  Sandhishool (pain in joints), Sandhishopha (swelling in joints),  Prasaranjanya Vedana ( pain during flexion and extension of the joints),Vata purana driti sparsha (sounds resembling that made when we rub against a ball.In modern science, it is correleated with osteoarthritis.

OSTEOARTHRITIS

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition. It causes pain, swelling and stiffness, affecting a person’s ability to move freely. Osteoarthritis affects the entire joint, including the tissues around it. It is most common in the knees, hips, spine and hands. Many factors can contribute to developing osteoarthritis. Some include a history of joint injury or overuse, older age and being overweight. It affects women more than men. Exercise and healthy eating to build strong muscles and keep a healthy weight can reduce symptoms. Surgery to replace joint is used in severe cases to reduce pain and regain mobility. Once pain and loss of movement function become chronic, people with osteoarthritis often experience restrictions in participating in meaningful activities, decreased well-being, and psychological distress.

The world health organization (WHO) estimates that about 73% of people living with osteoarthritis are older than 55 years, and 60% are female. However, prevalence rate can vary significantly depending on factors such as age, gender, geographic location, and socioeconomic status.

According to a Study published in Indian journal of orthopedics, the prevalence rate of knee osteoarthritis was found to be 28.7% in India 

LACUNAE IN EXISTING KNOWLEDGE

· There are many studies which are available on the concept of Knee osteoarthritis (Sandhigatavata) and its management, but there is no RCT study on Janu, Gulpha, Kshipra Marma manipulation effect in the management of Knee osteoarthritis (Sandhigatavata).

RESEARCH QUESTION

· Is combined therapy of manipulation of Janu, Gulpha, Kshipra Marma with oral medicine for 14 days is more effective than oral medicine alone in improving the symptoms of Knee osteoarthritis (Sandhigatavata)?

HYPOTHESIS

· Null hypothesis -There is no difference in efficacy between combined therapy of manipulation of Marma with oral medicine and oral medicine alone in the management of Knee osteoarthritis (Sandhigatavata).

· Alternative hypothesis: The combined therapy of manipulation of  Marma with oral medicine is more effective than oral medicine alone in the management of Knee osteoarthritis

(Sandhigatavata).

AIM and OBJECTIVES:

AIM: 

To determine the difference between the efficacy of combined therapy of manipulation   of Marma with oral medicine  and  oral  medicine  alone  in the management of   Knee osteoarthritis ( Sandhigatavata ).

   OBJECTIVES:

· Primary objective- To determine the difference between the efficacy of combined therapy of manipulation of Marma with oral medicine and oral medicine alone in the flexion of knee joint.

· Secondary objective- To determine the difference between the efficacy of combined therapy of manipulation of Marma with oral medicine and oral medicine alone in WOMAC  osteoarthritis index.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Marmas are explained in all Samhitas (Charak, Sushrut, Vaghbhat). Acharya Sushrut has explained 107 Marmas. Acharya Dhalhan explain the importance of Marmas as â€œMaryantiitimarmani” that means any trauma to these points may lead to death or may result in disability. According to Acharya Vaghbhat those sites which are painful on application of pressure and which shows abnormal pulsation are known as Marmas. Marma points are anatomical sites where muscles, vein, ligaments, bones and joints meet together. The injury to these Marma points may cause serious consequences. Sushrut Samhita gives detailed description of Marmas like number of Marmas their location, structures involved.

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According to Acharya Sushrut

Marmas  are  the  points  where  muscles, veins,  ligaments,  bones  and  joints  meets. These  are            the places where the Prana (life) resides naturally.

According to Ashtang hridya 

Marmas are the sites where muscles, bones, ligaments, artery, veins and joints meet and Prana is located there.

Those sites which are painful on application of pressure and which shows abnormal   pulsation are known as Marmas.

Literature view of Sandhigatavata

Sandhigata vata is a type of Vata vyadhi which commonly occurs in old age due to Vata vitiation and depletion of   body tissues (Dhatus). The disease was first described by Acharya Charaka by the name of ‘Sandhigata Anila’ in Vata Vyadhi, Sandhigatavata is accepted by Acharya Chakrapani as Gulpha vata or Sandhigata vata. Acharya  Sushruta has described the  diseases in  Vatavyadhi  chapter   under the  subheading of   Sandhigata vata .   In    Vriddhavastha, all  Dhatus  undergo Kshaya,  Thus, leading to Vataprakopa  and making   individual  prone to many diseases.

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Vata   purana   driti  sparsha  (sounds  resembling  that  made  when  we rub  against  a  ballon), swelling   in joints,  pain  during flexion and extension.

There is no   separate explanation of sandigata vata but it is   explained   under Vatavyadhi in every Samhita.

 Anatomical structure of Marma areas: (According to CCRAS Marmachikitsa book- Basic tenets in ayurveda and therapeutic approaches)

PREVIOUS STUDY DONE

1. A case study of Marma Chikitsa on Janu sandhigatavata 

This study shows that Marma Therapy showed encouraging results with regards to the management of symptoms associated with Janu Sandhigata Vata (Osteoarthritis of Knee), in short duration of time. Also, the present study illustrates the efficacy of the administered therapeutic intervention in the management of symptoms associated with Janu Sandhigata Vata, Significant improvement was observed in the subjective parameters (Sandhi Shoola, Sandhi Shotha, Sandhi Stabdhata, and Sandhi Atopa) and objective parameters (WOMAC Index, ROM, Walking Time) analyzed during and after the completion of the study.  Thus, stimulation of the Marmas can balance the Vyana Vayu and Vata Dosha, resulting in the corresponding healing effect in diseases like Janu Sandhigatavata.

2. A clinical study on effect of Marma therapy on Sandhigata  vata  w.s.r osteoarthritis

This study shows   that   Marma   therapy    provided  better  relief    in  the  disesase   Sandhigatavata    (osteoarthritis).  Out  of  15  patients,  completely remission  in   the  symptom  

 (Sandhishool,  Sandhishopa,  Stabdhata,  Sparshaasahtwa , Akuchana, Sandhi sphutana, Prasaranjanyo Vedana)  of  Sandhigatavata  was   observed in   12 patients, markedly improvement was observed in  2 patients, moderately improvement  present in 1 patient .

Other review studies

· Singh Jagjeet; Sabharwal   Pooja.  Exploring the Scientific    Potential of   Marma Therapy as a Nonpharmacological Intervention in Pain Management.  AYUHOM 9(1): p 14-18, Jan–Jun 2022. | DOI: 10.4103/AYUHOM.AYUHOM_7_2

· Singh Jagjeet; Sabharwal Pooja. Relevance of   Marma Sharira in Contemporary Science: A  Scientific Review. Journal 2): p 145- 149, Apr–Jun    2023.DOI: 10.4103/joa.joa_63_21

MATERIALS AND METHODS OF STUDY-

1. Study design – A Randomized Comparative Study.

2. Study Centre-   PG Dept. of Rachana Sharir and Kayachikitsa, DMS, hospital will work as co- investigative department only.

3. Sample size – 80

           n=z²x P x (1-P)/d²

                z= standard normal variable=1.96

           p= prevalence = 30%

           d= error = 10%

           n = (1.96)²x0.3x0.7/0.1²

               n=80.67, n~81

Duration of study – 12 months

4. Study plan

· Total 80 patients of Knee osteoarthritis (Sandhigatavata) will be registered in the study from the OPD/IPD of hospital CBPACS after informed consent (Annexure-1 and 2) and will be divided in two groups (group A&B) each having 40 patients.

· Detailed history, signs and symptoms and examination by digital goniometer to check the  Knee region i.e. knee Flexion will be carried out of all the patients .All the patients of group A(comparator group) will be treated with oral medicine of Ayurveda (Yograj guggulu 500 mg/2 tab BD (Yogratnakar purva khanda vata vyadhi nidan shloka 8)  with Maharasnadi kwath 50ml BD oral (शा० à¤¸à¤‚० à¤®à¥¦ à¤–ं० 2/93) and all the patients of group B( case group) will be treated with manipulation of following  three Marma (as described in the book of CCRAS-Marmachikitsa) along with oral medicines of group A.

· Manipulation of Marma will be carried out after taking proper training from the workshops of Marma therapy.

· Marma points to be taken - 1. Janu 2. Gulpha 3. Kshipra 

· After general Examination, all the Marma sites will be identified and Stimulated  (as described in the book of CCRAS-Marmachikita)  empty stomach or after three hours of meals, by applying gentle pressure with thumb and supported by hand, 18 times on each Marma site, in coherence with breathing . Manipulation of Marma will be done three times a day for 14 days. The Effect of it will be reviewed weekly.

· Follow-up will be taken after 7 days of complete treatment.

· Drugs used – Maharasnadi kwath and Yograj guggulu. All the drugs will be provided by the hospital pharmacy of CBPACS or any other GMP certified pharmacy.

· Preparation of Maharasnadi kwath - The powder of the kwath will be provided from the hospital pharmacy of CBPACS and any other GMP certified pharmacy. The patient will prepare the decoction of the powder as follows 1 and half tablespoon full of ingredients added with 200ml of pure water and boiled under the medium flame and reduced up to one fourth (50ml) and filter the decoction (kashya).

Dosage of Medicine

Maharasnadi Kwath - 50ml oral B.D twice a day, morning and evening half an hour before food for 2 weeks.

Yograj guggulu- 500 mg/ 2 tablets twice a day with Maharasnadi kwath for 2 weeks.

Table 1: Assessment of patients before treatment and after treatment

The patients will be reviewed weekly for symptomatic changes.

  INCLUSION CRITERIA â€“

· Patient irrespective of sex,  presenting  with  sign  and  symptoms  of    Knee  osteoarthritis   

      (Sandhigatavata).

· Subjects of age group 40 to 70 years will be registered in both the groups.  Patients fit for manipulation of Marma.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA â€“

· Post traumatic patients having history of fractures and dislocation of knee and hip region.

· Patients having knee deformities, postural defects and uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, malignancy and hepatitis, TB, Renal disease, Cardiac disease.

All the above data findings before and after treatment, along with demographic details will be recorded in case record Performa  and will be Statically analysed.

STATISTICAL DESIGN-

To assess the intervention’s effectiveness, a comprehensible statistical analysis will be conducted to compare outcomes between two groups. After completion of clinical trial in both outpatient and inpatient settings, the collected data will be statistically analysed. Subjective parameters will be expressed as frequencies and percentages, while objective measure will be presented as means and standard deviations. Group comparisons will be made using an unpaired t -test to ensure reliable and interpretable results.

EXPECTED OUTCOME OF STUDY-

This study will give the evidence based applied aspect of Marma in Knee osteoarthritis (Sandhigatavata). We   may   come  out  with more  effective  treatment  for   Knee  osteoarthritis

(Sandhigatavata )