Increasing Physical, Emotional, and Social Wellbeing in Adolescents Following a Multi-Week Indian Classical Dance Program: Results From a Single-Arm Pilot Study.

Background: The physical, emotional, and social wellbeing of U.S. high school-aged adolescents is a growing public health concern. Objective: To describe the development and initial effects of an 8-week Bharatanatyam (Indian Classical Dance) intervention on wellbeing indicators in Midwestern high school students. Methods: Using a single arm design, freshmen at a Midwestern high school completed an ethics-approved 8-week Bharatanatyam program teaching movements rooted in social cognitive theory and cultural foundations. At baseline, four, and 8 weeks, participants completed PROMIS Pediatric Profile-25 (Physical Function Mobility, Anxiety, Depressive Symptoms, Fatigue, Peer Relations, Pain Interference, and Pain Intensity), Body Appreciation Scale, Anti-Bias Behavior Scale (PSABBS), State Mindfulness Scale, and an 8-item acceptability questionnaire. Analyses included descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, Cohen's Results: Forty-six students provided assent and parental consent and completed the intervention. Most were female (62%) and Caucasian (80%). Feasibility and retention indicators were high (83-89%). Fifty-nine percent reported independent exercise 2-5 times weekly. Controlling for exercise frequency, significant decreases ( Conclusion: This study provides initial evidence that an 8-week Bharatanatyam program improved emotional health and physical symptoms (ie, fatigue and pain) among adolescents, with mindfulness and anti-bias attitudes associated with overall wellbeing. Further testing with more rigorous study designs is warranted.