Structural Vertebral Changes in Osteoporotic Women and Their Associations with Prakriti (constitution), Agni (digestive fire) and Koshtha (nature of bowels): A Research Protocol

Introduction: The vertebral column is essential for supporting an upright posture. However, factors such as a sedentary lifestyle or other changes can alter its natural curvature, leading to issues like back pain, stiffness, and difficulty with movement. To prevent these symptoms, it is important to take an individual’s Prakriti (constitution) into consideration. Need of the study: Osteoporosis, marked by reduced bone density and weakened bone microarchitecture, significantly raises fracture risk. Using X-ray imaging and Ayurvedic questionnaires, research explores how individual constitutional traits may influence spinal degeneration. The findings aim to support personalised approaches to osteoporosis management based on Ayurvedic principles. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the structural vertebral column changes in osteoporotic females based on Prakriti (constitution), Agni (digestive fire) and Koshtha (nature of bowels). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study will be conducted from Jan 2025 to Dec 2025 at MGACH & RC and AVBRH, located in Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha. A total of 152 subjects will be included in the study. The study will include female participants who have been clinically diagnosed with osteoporosis. X-ray {Anterioroposterior (AP) & lateral view}, range of movement, Naditarangini for Prakriti (constitution) analysis and subjective parameter: Sambhata, Lower back pain (stiffness) will be assessed. Baseline characteristics will be summarised using descriptive statistics. Comparisons between groups will be made using the independent t-test or One-way ANOVA for normally distributed data, and Mann-Whitney U or Kruskal-Wallis tests for non-parametric data. The Chi-square test (or Fisher’s exact test, when applicable) will be used to assess the association between Prakriti, Agni, Koshtha and structural changes in the vertebral column. Post-hoc analysis will be performed using Tukey’s test or Benjamini-Hochberg correction. All tests will be two-tailed, with a p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant.