A Systematic Review: Standard Measurement method of Anguli pramana

Introduction:  Anguli pramana is an ancient form of anthropometric measurements where individual’s own finger width is used as a unit of measurement. Different researchers had attempted to standardize the Anguli pramana.  This systematic review aims to review all the available published literature and to provide the narrative summary on Anguli pramana. Methods: References were sought in Google scholar, AYUSH Research portal, DHARA online, Pub med, Shodhganga, eShodhSindhu datasets and other sources like Grey literature by utilizing all the keywords and MeSH terminologies. Following PRISMA guidelines, 32 full-text eligible papers were assessed and 9 articles extracted for study design, population parameters, methodology, evaluation system, outcome and other relevant findings. Result: 5 out of 9 studies have reconfirmed that breadth of middle finger (BM) of right hand proved as more accurate method of measurement in Anguli pramana while in 3 studies average of right and left middle finger at proximal interphalangeal joint is used as a method of measurement. Only 1 study shows use of average of breadth of four fingers at metacarpophalangeal joints of right and left hand as a method of measurement. Discussion: Present systematic review concludes that breadth of middle finger of the right hand at proximal interphalangeal joint (BM) is the standard method of measurement for Anguli pramana

Study of Anguli Pramana in individuals with different nutritional status with respect to its validity in the present era

Introduction: Anguli Pramana is an ancient form of Anthropometry put forth by sages. It mainly deals with the measurements of the human body. Literature search revealed that, not a single study was being carried out for assessing the validity of Anguli Pramana in the present era. Therefore, the present study was planned. Method: After ethical clearance, 770 participants between 18-50 years were selected from Ahmednagar and Nashik region. Measurements were taken for selected parameters and converted into Swa-Anguli Pramana. Body Mass Index of each participant was calculated and categorized according to the nutritional status. The data analyzed with Student’s t-test using Systat 13.0 version software. Result: Comparative data of standard and measured value was found statistically different in all nutritional status groups. Discussion: Anguli Pramana may not be considered valid in the present era may be due to evolutionary changes and lifestyle changes in the human being

Gender wise consideration of Anguli Pramana in the present era

Introduction: Anguli pramana is a unique concept in Ayurved. It was stated by acharyas at times when there was no any sort of standardised unit of measurements. Acharyas have mentioned Anguli pramana for various parts of the body. In respect of male and female gender, no separate anthropometric values found to be mentioned. Hence, the present study aimed at gender wise consideration of Anguli pramana. Method: After seeking ethical permission, 770 healthy participants of both gender between age group 18-50 years in Ahmednagar and Nashik region were selected for the study. Measurements were taken for selected body parts. The middle finger width of the right hand at proximal interphalangeal joint was used as a unit for Anguli pramana. Collected data treated with the Student’s t test for inference. Result: Measured values for selected parameters when compared with the standard values stated by acharya in both genders found statistically different except for a few i.e., Pad parinah and Pad vistar. Discussion: Variations in Anguli pramana may be due to evolutionary changes and lifestyle in the present era. The present study concluded that Anguli pramana is not valid in the present era. Its validity was checked according to gender separately. Though the findings are confined to the selected sample size and selected parameters, it could further be extended to arrive at generalization

Current updates on Anguli Pramana, an ancient tool of measurements

Introduction: Anguli Pramana is an ancient form of anthropometry. Though it is an age old technique of measurement, it is one of the unique hypothetical concepts put forth by acharyas. It is included in the syllabus of Rachana Sharir and students are studying over years. There is a need of updating the existing knowledge. Hence, the present study was a small step in this direction. Materials and Methods: Along with ethical clearance, the study was conducted on 770 healthy participants of age group 18-50 years in Ahmednagar and Nashik Region. Considering middle finger width of the right hand at proximal interphalangeal joint as Swa-anguli Pramana, measurements were taken for selected body parts related to the lower limb. Data obtained was analysed applying Z score test. Results: In the present study, measured values for selected parameters when compared with the standard values stated by acharya found statistically different. Discussion: Result of the present study reveal that the anthropometric values stated in ancient time are not valid in the present era. This may be due to evolutionary changes and changes in life style. The present study gives tentative information regarding the same. The result obtained is confined to the selected sample size and for selected parameters. The research can be extended further to arrive at a proper conclusion

An Observational Study to Assess the Validity of Anguli Pramana in the Present Era

Introduction: The concept of Anguli pramana is one of the hypothetical concepts in Ayurved put forth by acharyas. It mainly deals with the measurements of various parts of the human body. After reviewing the previous research done, it was noticed that, not a single study was being carried out by anyone of the researchers for assessing the validity of Anguli pramana in the present era. Therefore, the present study was planned. Method: After ethical clearance, the study was conducted. In total 770 participants of age group 18-50 years from Ahmednagar and Nashik region were selected. Measurements were taken for selected parameters, recorded and converted into Swa-anguli pramana.  Swa-anguli pramana was measured by taking width of the middle finger at the proximal interphalangeal joint of right hand. All the measurements were taken following Standard Operating Procedure. The data was analyzed with the test of Normality, Z score using Systat 13.0 version software. Result: In the present study, obtained value and standard value stated by Acharya Charaka for the selected parameters were compared and found statistically different. Similarly, obtained value and standard value stated by Acharya Sushruta for the selected parameters were compared and found statistically different. Discussion: The results were negative i.e., non comparable with the standard values stated by acharas for the selected parameters. It was observed that the Anguli pramana mentioned in ancient literature may not be considered valid in the present era. It may be because of evolutionary changes and lifestyle changes of the human being