Association between Anthropometric Measures and Musculoskeletal Injuries in Bharatnatyam Dancers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form, is known for its intricate movements and poses that demand significant physical and psychological endurance. Despite its cultural importance, there is a notable lack of recent data on musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries in Bharatanatyam dancers, particularly concerning the role of anthropometric measures such as Body Mass Index (BMI) and other body circumferences. Objective : This study aimed to determine the association between anthropometric measures and the occurrence of musculoskeletal injuries in Bharatanatyam dancers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 96 Bharatanatyam dancers aged 15-25 years from various dance centers across Aurangabad District. Anthropometric measures, including BMI, waist-hip ratio (WHR), and circumferences of the waist, hip, abdomen, and thigh, were recorded. The incidence of musculoskeletal injuries was assessed using the Bharatnatyam dance injury pain questioners (BDIPQ). Results: The study revealed a significant correlation between higher BMI and an increased incidence of knee and ankle injuries (p < 0.0001). However, no significant correlation was found between hip circumference, waist circumference, abdominal circumference, thigh circumference, and the occurrence of musculoskeletal injuries. The results highlight that dancers with a higher BMI are at a greater risk of certain MSK injuries. Conclusion: These findings suggest that higher body mass may contribute to a higher risk of specific musculoskeletal injuries in Bharatanatyam dancers. The study underscores the need for targeted injury prevention strategies, particularly for dancers with a higher BMI, to enhance the longevity and performance of this ancient dance form Key words: BDIPQ, BMI, WHR, & Bharatanatyam dancers