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

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.

Self-reported perceived stress, depression, and generalized anxiety disorder among Kathak dancers and physically active non-dancers of North India.

The aim of the present paper was to study the various common mental disorders in a sample of Kathak dancers and non-dancers of North India. 206 female Kathak dancers and 235 healthy controls, aged 18-45 years completed questionnaires assessing perceived stress (PSS-10), depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), and generalized anxiety (GAD-7). Pearson correlations assessed the association between perceived stress, depression, generalized anxiety, age, and years of dancing, and binary logistic regression identified the risk of developing depression and generalized anxiety disorder in Kathak dancers and non-dancers. The prevalence of perceived stress was similar among Kathak dancers and non-dancers. Kathak dancers reported significantly lower depressive symptoms compared to controls. Non-dancers with elevated perceived stress levels were 4 times more likely to report depressive symptoms and 7 times more likely to report anxiety symptoms, relative to dancers. The adjusted odds of reporting depressive symptoms along with generalized anxiety were higher among non-dancers compared to dancers. Kathak can be developed into a very effective psychotherapeutic tool for mitigating the risk of developing depression and generalized anxiety disorder.

Disordered eating attitudes and body shape concerns among North Indian Kathak dancers.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and association between disordered eating attitudes and body shape concerns in a sample of North Indian Kathak dancers. METHOD: Participants were 206 Kathak female dancers and 235 healthy controls, ages 18-45 years. Participants completed questionnaires assessing demographics, disordered eating attitudes, and body dissatisfaction. Pearson correlations assessed the association between the disordered eating attitudes and body dissatisfaction, and binary logistic regression identified the risk of having a possible eating disorder. RESULTS: Kathak dancers reported significantly greater disordered eating attitudes compared to controls (12.1% vs. 5.9%, p = .023). Dancers endorsed greater dieting behaviors (M = 5.6 vs. 4.5, p = .031), and binge eating episodes (p < .001) relative to their counterparts. Body dissatisfaction was significantly positively correlated with disordered eating attitudes among the dancers (p < .001). Dancers with elevated body shape concerns were five times more likely to report disordered eating attitudes, relative to their peers (p < .001). DISCUSSION: Disordered eating attitudes and body shape concerns are prevalent among North Indian Kathak dancers. Future research should aim to develop targeted prevention and intervention programs that focus on reducing these behaviors and promoting a positive body image to mitigate the risk of disordered eating among this group.

Association between hypertension and adiposity indicators: A study among the Muslim population of Uttar Pradesh.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension and obesity have become a global issue and an important public health concern due to an unhealthy lifestyle. The present study aims to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its association with various adiposity indicators among Sunni Muslim population of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 214 individuals using purposive sampling method. Somatometric measurements were taken using the ISAK protocol. Correlation analysis and odds ratio were calculated to determine the best predictor of hypertension. RESULTS: 41% of males and 42.1% of females were found to be in Stage-II hypertension. BMI and WC were found to have the highest correlation with SBP among males and females, respectively. WHR followed by WC and BMI, was found to be the strongest predictor of hypertension in males. In the case of females, WHtR Followed by, BMI and WHR were found to be the strongest predictors of hypertension. CONCLUSION: Among the presently studied Muslim population of Lucknow, a high prevalence of hypertension was found among both males and females. Also, WHR among males and WC among females were found to be better predictors of hypertension. Thus, for better prediction of risk of hypertension, sex and ethnicity-specific adiposity indicator should be used in clinical practice.

Acquired body marks: A mode of identification in Forensics.

Each individual regardless of sex, age and caste has a particular identification mark present on their body. This study is mainly an attempt to understand the distribution pattern of different types of acquired body marks present on the body which can be used as a marker for individual identification in Forensics. Data was collected by means of observation, interview schedule and interviews from 160 individuals of 6 multi-caste villages of Udaipur in Rajasthan, India. A wide variation was observed in the distribution patterns of various acquired body marks. Scars were the most prevalent (87.5%) followed by body piercing (66%), occupational marks (38.5%), tattoo marks (27.5%) and body deformity (5%). There is a strong association between sex of an individual and presence of tattoo and occupational marks. Type of occupation is associated with the presence of scar and occupational marks. Age also has its influence on the presence and type of - tattoo and occupational marks. This wide variation in the distribution of acquired body marks based on sex, age, educational status, occupation, religion etc. of an individual need to be considered and included as a method of identification of unknown in Forensic Science.