Chennai: DTT (Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics), the prestigious peer-reviewed journal covering all aspects of diagnosing and managing diabetes with technology cutting-edge devices, drugs, drug delivery systems, and software, has published a one-of-its-kind study on the health benefits of THANDAV (a High-Intensity Short Interval Dance Intervention) on Adolescent Asian Indian Girls.

The study was led by Dr. R. M. Anjana, Managing Director, Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre & Vice President, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation and Dr. Ranjini Harish, Research Officer & Project Manager, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation along with a team of doctors and scientists.

According to the study, a large number of Asian Indian Adolescent girls are less physically active when compared to boys their age. This puts them at a higher risk for diabetes, NCDs (non-communicable diseases), deteriorating bone health and poor reproductive health.

Commenting on the rationale behind the study, Dr. R. M. Anjana said, “There exist several barriers to physical activity (PA) among adolescent girls. We therefore developed a dance / fitness intervention called THANDAV (Taking High-Intensity Interval Training [HIIT] and Dance to Adolescents for Victory over non-communicable diseases [NCDs]). The main aim of this study was to evaluate the THANDAV protocol among Asian Indian girls aged 10 to 17 years. Dr. Ranjini Harish added, “We organised a 2-day workshop and taught participants a culturally inclusive and ‘Made in India’ Thandav HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) dance routine to the participants which was a huge success.”

Dr. Anjana added “The participants were made to practice at home for three weeks. After three weeks, the participants were invited to perform THANDAV for 10 minutes continuously. The participants heart rate, BMI (Body Mass Index), respiratory rate, glucose levels, height, weight, blood pressure, alertness, motivation levels, stamina levels, volume of oxygen consumed and volume of carbon dioxide produced were monitored and recorded. During the 10-minute routine, the participants reached 80% to 90% of their max heart rate. There was significant improvement in their fitness, motivation and concentration level.”

The study concluded that Asian Indian Adolescent girls were more likely to practice THANDAV intervention as they found this unique HIIT workout exciting and sustainable. HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) workouts have been proved to have a positive effect on glucose control, improving cardiorespiratory fitness and overall cardio metabolic health in adolescents.