JMIR Publications

Background:

Agni (digestive or metabolic factors) is a fundamental concept in Ayurveda that governs digestion, metabolism, and absorption. The strength of Agni varies from individual to individual, depending on various factors. Given its clinical importance, several researchers have developed screening tools to estimate Agni strength. Identifying valid and reliable Agni assessment tools will enhance diagnostic precision. In research, standardized and validated instruments facilitate reproducible studies, enabling meaningful comparisons across populations and settings.

Objective:

This study aims to critically appraise and synthesize the best available evidence on screening instruments for assessing the strength of Agni, including both self-reported questionnaires and clinician-administered tools. This review will evaluate their psychometric properties, specifically focusing on content validity, construct validity, criterion validity, internal consistency, and test–retest reliability. Additionally, the review will assess the feasibility, efficiency, and applicability of these instruments in clinical and research settings within the framework of Ayurveda.

Methods:

In this proposed study, a systematic review will be conducted using the intended search strategy, using databases such as PubMed, EBSCO, Cochrane, Google Scholar (first 200 studies), the AYUSH research portal, and Digital Helpline for Ayurveda Research Articles. This study will focus on adults aged 18 years and older. Two independent reviewers will screen titles, abstracts, and full-text articles for eligibility and extract data on tool characteristics, psychometric properties, and applicability, with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer. The psychometric quality of the included studies will be evaluated using QUADAS-2 (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2) and COSMIN (Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments). Extracted data will be synthesized using a narrative approach, supported by tabular summaries.

Results:

This systematic review was formally initiated in October 2025, following a planning phase that commenced in January 2025. Data from studies that meet the inclusion criteria will be systematically extracted, organized, and analyzed. The risk of bias and the overall quality of evidence will be evaluated, and the final review is expected to be completed and published by November 2026.

Conclusions:

This systematic review protocol outlines an approach to identify valid and reliable Agni assessment tools that contribute to the standardization of Ayurvedic diagnostics, enabling meaningful integration with contemporary biomedical research and highlighting the importance of transparency and adaptability in the field of Ayurveda. By establishing a structured evidence base, it aims to support the development of more robust, clinically relevant, and universally applicable assessment practices.

ClinicalTrial:

PROSPERO CRD42024626327; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024626327

International Registered Report:

DERR1-10.2196/79580