Association of Mamsa Sara with Body Mass Index, Lean Body Mass, Muscular Strength and Harvard Step Test Performance in Healthy Young Adults

Abstract

Background: Mamsa Sara is an Ayurvedic assessment of the quality and development of muscle tissue. Its association with modern measures of body composition and physical fitness requires further evaluation.

Objective: To assess the association of Mamsa Sara with body mass index (BMI), lean body mass (LBM), bilateral handgrip strength and Harvard Step Test performance in healthy adults.

Methods: This observational analytical cross-sectional study included 300 healthy volunteers aged 18-40 years. Mamsa Sara was assessed using a structured Sara Pariksha and classified as Avara, Madhyama or Pravara. BMI, four-site skinfold-derived LBM, bilateral handgrip strength and Harvard Step Test fitness index were recorded. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and chi-square tests were applied; p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Pravara, Madhyama and Avara Mamsa Sara were observed in 201 (67.0%), 87 (29.0%) and 12 (4.0%) participants, respectively. Mamsa Sara score was strongly correlated with LBM (r = 0.71, p < 0.001); mean LBM was 53.48 +/- 6.61 kg in Pravara, 43.51 +/- 5.10 kg in Madhyama and 37.02 +/- 4.65 kg in Avara Mamsa Sara. Mamsa Sara category was significantly associated with right-hand grip strength (chi-square = 68.97, p < 0.001), left-hand grip strength (chi-square = 56.98, p < 0.001), BMI category (chi-square = 103.79, p < 0.001) and Harvard Step Test category (chi-square = 13.85, p = 0.031).

Conclusion: Higher Mamsa Sara grading was associated with greater LBM, stronger handgrip ratings and more favourable fitness-related profiles. Mamsa Sara assessment may complement non-invasive evaluation of muscular and functional status; longitudinal studies are required to establish predictive value.