Comparison of Pulmonary Functions, Aerobic Capacity, and Maximal Respiratory Pressures between Female Bharatanatyam Dancers, Kathak Dancers, and Age-Matched Controls

A BSTRACT Background: Dance practice has positive effects on physical fitness and health. Bharatanatyam and Kathak dance forms are practiced widely and their effect on physical fitness and health needs to be identified. Methods: Females in the age group of 18–30 years practicing Bharatanatyam ( n = 24) and Kathak ( n = 24) for more than 3 years and age-matched controls ( n = 24) were included in the observational study. Spirometry was performed and maximal inspiratory pressure was measured. Incremental shuttle walk test was performed and VO 2 peak was calculated. Results: FVC ( P = 0.006) and FEV 1 ( P = 0.014) were statistically significantly higher with a small effect size (ƞ 2 = 0.069 and 0.044, respectively) in Kathak dancers when compared to age-match controls. VO 2 peak was statistically significantly higher with large effect size (ƞ 2 = 0.378) in Bharatanatyam dancers and Kathak dancers compared to non-dancers. Maximal inspiratory pressure value was statistically significantly higher with a large effect size (ƞ 2 = 0.150) in Kathak dancers ( P = 0.001) and Bharatanatyam dancers ( P = 0.020) when compared to non-dancers. Conclusion: Practicing Kathak or Bharatanatyam improves pulmonary functions, aerobic capacity, and respiratory muscle strength.