Published Paper Details:

Background: Most of the dancers have high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and injury. Indian classical dance is one of them. Kathak is the most popular dance form of Indian classical dance. Though kathak is north Indian dance, but there are many kathak dancers in Gujarat and particular Saurashtra region. Many previous studies have shown musculoskeletal proportion in different type of dance forms, but there is no study one about musculoskeletal pain among kathak dancers and particularly knee pain related disabilities. With knowing proportion and difficulty level feel by the kathak dancers, treatment can be done accordingly.Objectives: To find out proportion of musculoskeletal pain and knee pain related disabilities among kathak dancers. Methods: An observational study was conducted at various kathak centers of the Saurashtra region. After checking inclusion and exclusion criteria, we take demographic data and asked their practice related questions to the dancers. The Nordic questionnaire sheet was filled by the dancers to know proportion of musculoskeletal pain. Oxford knee score taken to know difficulties in various activities. NPRS before and after dance practice was taken to know immediate knee pain after dance practice. Results: the kathak dancers of the Saurashtra region have lower back and ankle pain with 20% of proportion.15% dancers have knee pain, 12% shoulder pain, 11% hips/thighs pain and neck pain, 10% upper back pain and only 1% have wrist pain. Difficulties by kathak dancers due to knee pain is very mild. Conclusion: The prevalence of back pain and ankle pain is highest among kathak dancers followed by knee pain. Knee pain related disabilities are very mild and there is no significant change in NPRS before and after dance practice.