A Comparative Study Of Interrelation Between Deha- Prakriti And Vyayama-Shakti By Push-Up Test And Harvard Step Test

Abstract

Introduction: According to Ayurveda Samhitas different Dosha Pradhana Deha-Prakriti individuals have different levels of Bala. Vyayama-Shakti is also an important parameter to assume Trividha Bala i.e. Pravara, Madhyama and Avara. According to all these references different Dosha Pradhana Deha-Prakriti individuals should have different levels of Vyayama-shakti too; but there is not any clear reference found about direct interrelation between Deha-prakriti and Vyayama-Shakti. For examination of Vyayama-Shakti there is not any standard test described in Ayurveda text, but some of the modern fitness test/ efficiency tests which include different body exercises like Push-up test and Harvard step test can be used for this purpose. Aim & Objectives: To study if there is interrelation between Deha-Prakriti and Vyayama-Shakti. To study different Deha-prakritis of healthy volunteers. To study Vyayama-shakti of healthy volunteers having different Deha-prakritis. To compare the Vyayama-shakti assessed by Push-up Test and Harvard Step Test in different Deha-Prakriti individuals. Materials-Methods: Total 90 healthy volunteers of different Deha-Prakriti having age group 18 to 22 years with normal BMI were selected from Parul University Campus, Vadodara for the study after examination of Deha-Prakriti. They were grouped in 3 main groups of Kapha, Vata or Pitta Dosha Pradhana Deha-Prakriti. They were asked to perform Push-up Test and Harvard Step Test up to the appearance of Ardha-Vyayama-Sakti symptoms for examination of Vyayama-shakti. Observations were noted and compared with the standard rating tables for individual tests and finally Vyayama-shakti levels of individuals were assessed. Vyayama-shakti levels were compared in different Dosha Pradhana Prakriti groups. Results: Results were calculated and statistically analysed using One Way ANOVA Test. The test showed significant interrelation between Deha-Prakriti and Vyayama-shakti with Push-up Test results. Interpretation: Kapha Pradhan Prakriti individuals shown Pravara Vyayama-shakti of Vata Pradhan Prakriti individuals shown Madhyama Vyayama-shakti whereas Pitta Pradhan Prakriti individuals shown Avara Vyayama-shakti with Push-up Test results. The Bala examined by Vyayama-shakti may have combined effect of Sahaja, Kalaja and Yuktikrut Bala mentioned in texts whereas the Bala levels described in Deha-prakriti laxana may be of Sahaja Bala only that one got at the time of sukrashonita samyoga. Conclusion: There is interrelation between Deha-Prakriti and Vyayama-shakti. Fitness assessed by the push-up test is more reliable to assess Vyayama-Shakti related to Dosha constitution in different Deha-prakriti described in Ayurveda as compare to Harvard step test.