A study has demonstrated the benefits of a new fitness routine called THANDAV, (Taking High- Intensity Interval Training [HIIT] And Dance to Adolescents for Victory over Non-communicable Diseases [NCDs]. This was devised by Dr Ranjith Anjana Mohan of the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation
THANDAV is a form of freestyle dancing with flavours of Indian classical/folk dance. The THANDAV routine was developed in association with a seasoned choreographer from the South Indian film industry to ensure the ease and safety of the steps being performed. There was a 2-min high intensity [80 per cent of max heart rate (HR) achievement] segment followed by a 30-sec low intensity (40 to 60 per cent max HR) segment, and four such repetitions constituted a single 10-min routine. The songs selected were all popular Bollywood/Indian film songs/ album hits of the season. The steps were choreographed to be easily done and repetitive. Four songs were selected for a single 10 min routine.
The THANDAV intervention was taught by a team consisting of a choreographer, scientist, and physician (all trained dancers) as part of a 2-day workshop held at a recreational facility in Bengaluru. The girls were taught the steps and then given 3 weeks to practise and perfect the routine. Weekly calls /meetings with the participants ensured they were practising the routine and were familiar with the
steps.
A total of 23 participants were included in the THANDAV pilot study testing. All participants were school students and 39 per cent (9 of 23) reported playing outdoors for 30- 60 mins per day. All participants achieved 80 per cent of their maximum HR during the first dance and managed to sustain this HR throughout the 10-min routine. There was a significant increase in the HR (bpm) post intervention.
The average energy cost of the activity (metabolic equivalent) was 6.3. THANDAV was a socially acceptable, fun, and energetic form of PA.
The THANDAV intervention meets HIIT norms and is a novel culturally appropriate form of PA that is enjoyable, takes little time, and can be done at home. It has the potential to be a sustainable intervention to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and prevent NCDs in Asian Indian adolescent girls.
Journal of Diabetes Science and
Technology, 2025
