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.