Abstract

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF HAND GRIP STRENGTH IN DIFFERENT DHATUSARA INDIVIDUALS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN DIABETIC VERSUS NON-DIABETIC POPULATIONS

Dr. Anita*

Abstract

Background & Objectives: Dhatu Sarata in Ayurveda represents the qualitative, structural, and functional excellence of the seven Dhatus (bodily tissues), serving as a biological marker for immune resilience (Bala), physical endurance, and functional capacity. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (Madhumeha) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by persistent hyperglycemia, metabolic disturbance, Dhatukshaya (tissue depletion), and progressive muscular weakness. Hand grip strength (HGS) measured via a standard Jamar dynamometer serves as an objective clinical indicator of peripheral muscle strength and musculoskeletal function. This cross-sectional observational study evaluated and compared hand grip strength across different Dhatu-Sara categories in diabetic (Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus) versus non-diabetic individuals. Methods: A total of 200 participants (100 Type 2 Diabetic patients and 100 age- and gender-matched Non-Diabetic healthy controls) aged 30–60 years were recruited from the Faculty of Ayurveda Hospital, Tantia University, Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan. Detailed Dhatu Sarata examination was performed using standardized classical Ayurvedic Lakshana criteria (Murta and Amurta Lakshanas) to categorize subjects into Sarata types (predominantly Mamsa Sara, Asthi Sara, Meda Sara, Rasa Sara, Rakta Sara, Majja Sara, Shukra Sara, and Asara/Alpa Sara). Isometric hand grip strength (in kilograms) was measured in both dominant and non-dominant hands using a calibrated handheld digital dynamometer following standard ASHT protocols. Results: Non-diabetic individuals demonstrated significantly higher mean hand grip strength compared to diabetic patients across both dominant (34.82 ± 5.64 kg vs. 27.41 ± 4.92 kg; p < 0.001) and non-dominant hands (32.15 ± 5.10 kg vs. 25.18 ± 4.45 kg; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that individuals classified as Mamsa Sara and Asthi Sara exhibited maximum hand grip strength values in both groups, whereas Meda Sara and Asara/Alpa Sara individuals exhibited significantly reduced muscular strength. Furthermore, diabetic patients belonging to Meda Sara and Asara categories exhibited the most pronounced muscle strength impairment, reflecting severe Dhatukshaya and Dhatvagnimandya. Conclusion: Hand grip strength varies significantly across Dhatu-Sara categories and is substantially reduced in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients. Assessment of Dhatu Sarata provides valuable prognostic insights into muscular functional capacity, supporting early identification of sarcopenic risk and personalized therapeutic interventions in diabetic management.

Keywords: Dhatu Sarata, Hand Grip Strength, Madhumeha, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Mamsa Sara, Asthi Sara, Rachana Sharir.