A RANDOMISED OPEN LABELLED COMPARATIVE PARALLEL GROUP CLINICAL STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY OF INTERFERENTIAL THERAPY & KATI BASTI IN GRIDHRASI WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SCIATICA

Abstract

Snigdha Swedana plays an important role in the management of Vata Vyadhi among which Katibasti is one which is indicated in Vata related pathogenesis in Kati Pradesha. Gridhrasi is a Vataja Nanatmaja Vyadhi. Katibasti is an effective treatment in Gridhrasi as it acts as both Snehana and Swedana. Interferential therapy is a form of electrical current that is primarily used for relief from pain. It is said to be effective in case of low back pain. Both Katibasti and Interferential therapy are commonly used treatment modalities in sciatica, hence the present study is intended to compare the efficacy of Katibasti and Interferential therapy in the treatment of Gridhrasi. Thirty-four subjects of Gridhrasi were randomly distributed in 2 groups (A and B) of 15 subjects each. Group A subjects were treated with Katibasti using Maha Vishagarbha Taila for 7 days. Group B subjects were treated with Interferential Therapy for 7 days. Follow up was done on the 14^th day. The statistical analysis within the group showed significant improvement in all the parameters in Katibasti group as well as IFT group. Comparative analysis between the groups showed no significant difference between the groups in all the parameters. Clinically, there was a slight difference between two groups. During follow up it was noticed that symptomatic relief was more in Katibasti than Interferential Therapy.