) status is presented for DG and CG individuals; the calculated values are respectively 0.76 and 0.78. It is observed that for the WHR, the DG individuals have significantly lower value (P < 0.05) compared to their CG counterparts.
The mean body height of the DG individuals was 153.5 cm and that of CG was 154.4 cm. As per WHO guideline on height for age for girls, the height for 14year and 15 year old girls are about 156cm and 160 cm respectively . Body mass index (BMI, expressed in kg.m- 2), calculated as the ratio of subject’s body weight (in kg) to the squared stature (m), and is now considered as one of the most commonly used indicator of obesity . Children are defined as obese when BMI equals to or exceeds the age-gender-specific 95th percentile. Those with BMI equal to or exceeding the 85th but are below 95th percentiles are defined overweight and are at risk for obesity related co-morbidities . In present study, the mean BMI of DG individuals is 17.9 which is significantly lower (P < 0.01), compared to their CG counterparts with mean BMI of 22.0; the trend of result of the present study are in agreement with the findings of Wyon . The mean BMI of DG individuals is also found to be around the lower limit of the normal range of BMI values for girls aged between 5-19 years, in terms of WHO guideline; as per the latter, the BMI for 14 and 15 year old girls should be within 20 to 23.9. The favorable impact of Bharatnatyam dancing is again affirmed with assessment of the absolute body fat. The DG individuals have significantly lower (P < 0.01) absolute body fat, compared to their CG counterparts.
Waist Circumference (WC) and Waist Hip Ratio (WHR) are important indicators for defining central obesity and cardiovascular disease risk. The mean WC for DG children is 63.0 cm which is significantly lower (P < 0.01) compared to their CG counterparts having mean value of 70.5 cm. Present finding that DG individuals have lower value of WC is in agreement with the works of ; the mean WC of DG individuals are much lower than the cut off limit for Asians. A similar trend is observed for the WHR.
Earlier studies have found that dancing exercise plays an important role in the prevention of becoming overweight reducing the risk of obesity in adulthood . Favorable impact of practicing Bharatnatyam dancing on body composition was observed previously in adult population , present study further affirmed that it has equally effective for female children.
On the basis of the study it could be concluded that Bharatnatyam dancing, if practiced regularly for at least an hour for 6 days in a week, has beneficial impact on maintaining favorable body composition variables, adjudged anthropometrically in children and thereby preventing the progression of onset of obesity and lower risk of suffering from specific diseases.
The authors are thankful to all the volunteers participating in the study for their cooperation and the concerned institutional authorities for their kind consent.
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