Musculoskeletal problems and bio-mechanical analysis of selected Bharatanatyam dance poses

This study aimed to investigate the physical, physiological, and biomechanical variables, as well as the musculoskeletal problems, of Bharatanatyam dancers.

110 healthy female volunteers (age 18-25 years) were included, and twenty volunteers having a history of illness were excluded; ninety volunteers were divided into two groups: (i) regular dancers (RD, n = 45) and (ii) novice dancers (ND, n = 45). The body composition, physical fitness, and physiological variables were determined. Assessment of body posture, joint angles, spinal curvatures, center of gravity (CG), rapid upper limb assessment (RULA), rapid entire body assessment (REBA), and prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) was performed in selected dance poses.

The regular dancers had significantly (p < 0.05) higher mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), strength, flexibility, physical fitness index, and maximal aerobic capacity (VO_2max), and significantly (p < 0.05) lower falls in balance test, resting and working blood pressure, respiratory rates, working and recovery heart rates than the novice dancers. The RULA and REBA scores were found to be higher (p < 0.05) among the novice dancers than the regular dancers. The novice dancers had significantly (p < 0.05) higher ache, pain, discomfort, and numbness in the neck, shoulders, wrists, upper and lower back, and ankles than the regular dancers.

Assessments of physical, physiological, and biomechanical variables may help to prevent overuse injuries. This scientific knowledge in Bharatanatyam training, emphasizing physiological conditioning and biomechanical awareness, may enhance both safety and performance.