Correlation of Hand Index with Prakriti: A Cross -Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Based on the measurements of the body, the constitution and physique of an individual can be classified as ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph body types (somaotypes). Similarly, the knowledge of anthropometry can be made applicable in the assessment of Deha Prakriti, described in Ayurveda. Somatometry, a division of anthropometry includes direct surface measurements of the human body by scientific methods. Analysis and comparison of the absolute measurements of body parts do not give a precise idea about the individual typology of the subject, so it is necessary to work out the relevant indices, so variation in hand index between the different groups of dominant Prakriti has been observed. Methodology: Two hundred apparently healthy male individuals of age 18-40 years were registered from the population residing in Delhi. Prakriti of the study participants was assessed through the questionnaire. The length and breadth of both the hands were measured by the digital sliding caliper. The hand index is calculated as the percentage of the breadth of hand to the length of hand. The difference in the values of the hand index in different groups of dominant Prakriti was statistically analyzed by appropriate statistical tests. Result: The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed the value of right hand index in different dominant Prakriti as Vata dominant <= 41.344, 41.344 <  Pitta dominant < 43.930, Kapha dominant>=43.930, whereas in left hand, the value of hand index in Vata dominant  <= 41.895, 41.895 <  Pitta dominant < 43.687, Kapha dominant>=43.687. Conclusion: There are significant differences in the hand index among different Deha Prakriti.