1 Ph.D. Scholar, Faculty of Yoga Sciences and Therapy, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research, No.12, Vembuliamman Koil Street, West K. K. Nagar, Chennai - 78, Tamil Nadu, India. Email: Sivakumar0018@gmail.com
2 Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Email: meumadamu@gmail.com
3 Assistant Professor, Sri Ramachandra Faculty of Allied Health Science, SRIHER, Porur, Chennai - 600116, India. Email: m.manimekalai@sriramachandraedu.in
Background
Thandaga Vatham (lumbar spondylosis) is a prevalent cause of low back pain in middle-aged males. Integrative approaches like Yoga Therapy and Varma Therapy may offer enhanced benefits compared to conventional care.
Objective
To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of Yoga Therapy, Varma Therapy, and their combination on pain intensity, disability, and flexibility among middle-aged males with Thandaga Vatham.
Methods
A randomized, parallel-group, multi-arm clinical trial was conducted involving 90 male participants aged 35–50 years, diagnosed with Thandaga Vatham. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Yoga Therapy, Varma Therapy, or combined Yoga + Varma Therapy. Interventions were administered over 12 weeks. Outcome measures included pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), disability (Oswestry Disability Index), and flexibility (Sit-and-Reach test). Data were analyzed using paired t-tests within groups.
Results
All groups showed statistically significant improvements from baseline to post-intervention (p < 0.001). The combined Yoga + Varma Therapy group demonstrated the greatest reduction in pain intensity (mean change: -3.9), disability (-22.0%), and the largest improvement in flexibility (+9.0 cm). Varma Therapy alone also showed greater improvements than Yoga Therapy alone across all outcomes.
Conclusion
Yoga Therapy, Varma Therapy, and their combination are all effective in managing low back pain, with combined therapy providing the most substantial benefits. These findings support the integration of traditional therapies for comprehensive management of Thandaga Vatham.
Keywords: Thandaga Vatham, lumbar spondylosis, low back pain, Yoga Sadhana, Varma Therapy, randomized clinical trial, traditional medicine, flexibility, disability.
How to cite this article: Sivakumar S, Uma Maheswari D, Narayanan M. Traditional Integrative Approaches for Thandaga Vatham: A Clinical Trial Evaluating Yoga Sadhana and Varma Therapy in Middle-Aged Men. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(4): 194-199. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.4.22
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None