A new study has revealed the remarkable benefits of THANDAV, a 10-minute dance workout based on High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), in improving the health and lifestyle habits of adolescent girls in India. The program, which is culturally tailored to Indian adolescents, has shown significant improvements in physical activity levels, heart health, and overall well-being.

Key Findings from the THANDAV Study:

·         +1073 steps/day and +29.5 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

·         +0.9 kg muscle mass, −0.7 kg body weight, and −2.0% body fat.

·         −4 mm Hg reduction in blood pressure and −3 bpm resting heart rate.

·         +46.4 minutes of sleep and −199.7 minutes of sedentary time.

·         Lower stress levels and reduced junk food intake.

·         High engagement, with participants finding the program fun and culturally relevant.

Dr. R.M. Anjana, Managing Director of Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialties Centre and President of Madras Diabetes Research Foundation said, “The results of this study demonstrate that even short bursts of exercise, like THANDAV, can have a profound impact on the health of adolescent girls. With rising concerns about childhood obesity and diabetes in India, this program offers a promising solution to combat these growing health challenges.”

Dr. Ranjani Harish, Senior Scientist at the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation added, “What makes THANDAV particularly exciting is its cultural relevance and time- efficiency. The program is fun and easy to incorporate into daily life, making it not only effective but also enjoyable for the participants. The feedback from the girls has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing eagerness to continue the program long after the study ended.”

The study was conducted across two schools in Chennai, with 108 girls aged 13–15 years. One school participated in the THANDAV intervention, while the other served as a control. Over a 12-week period, the girls in the THANDAV group experienced remarkable changes, including an increase in daily steps by 1073 steps, a reduction in body fat by 2%, and improved muscle mass. Additionally, participants reported significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, along with a drop- in resting heart rate by 3 bpm.

The program’s success in improving physical health is complemented by its ability to promote positive behavioural changes. Participants in the THANDAV group showed reductions in sedentary time and junk food consumption, while also reporting increased sleep duration. These changes are particularly important, as adolescent girls in India face significant barriers to physical activity due to social and environmental factors.

The THANDAV intervention combines popular music with structured dance routines, making it an appealing and accessible option for adolescent girls. The program’s hybrid model, which includes both in-person and online sessions, has proven to be highly effective in engaging participants and providing flexibility for busy adolescents.

This study’s findings underscore the importance of incorporating physical activity into the daily routines of adolescents, especially in combating the rising incidence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and heart disease. By providing a culturally relevant and time-efficient way to stay active, THANDAV offers a sustainable solution to improve the health of young people in India.

The program, which has already benefited over 10,000 women and girls since its launch in October 2023, has the potential to be scaled widely across schools and communities. Dr. Anjana concludes, “With the growing health crisis among India’s youth, THANDAV stands as a beacon of hope, showing how innovative, fun, and culturally tailored interventions can make a real difference in public health