An Indian classical dance form, Kathak in maintaining handgrip strength symmetry and reducing the risk of hypertension

ABSTRACT

Background

The present paper aimed to study handgrip strength (HGS) asymmetry and its association with hypertension in a sample of Kathak dancers and non-dancers of North India.

Methods

Data on HGS and blood pressure were collected from 206 Kathak dancers and 235 age-matched controls, using standardized protocols. Pearson correlation coefficients assessed the association between HGS and hypertension, and binary logistic regression identified the risk of developing hypertension.

Results

HGS asymmetry was higher among non-dancers. In Kathak dancers, systolic blood pressure (SBP) was positively correlated with HGS and negatively correlated with HGS asymmetry whereas diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was negatively correlated with both HGS and HGS asymmetry. Dancers with high HGS, have significantly reduced risk of developing hypertension. Non-dancers with HGS asymmetry were 1.8 times more likely to report hypertension, relative to dancers.

Conclusion

Kathak may be used as an alternative method for maintaining HGS symmetry and reducing the risk of developing hypertension.

KEYWORDS:

• Hypertension
• handgrip strength
• asymmetry
• dance
• health

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful and express their gratitude to the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India for providing financial assistance to carry out this study, to the Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi for providing the necessary facilities for conducting this study, and to all the participants for their generous participation in this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Research data cannot be shared.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the University Grants Commission.