Association Between Core Endurance , Flexibility and Balance and their Interrelationship among Bharatanatyam Dancers: A Rapid Review
Archana P(PT), Yashaswini M · International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research · 2026
Background: Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest classical dance forms of India that is widely practiced. Bharatanatyam performance requires strength, flexibility, balance, postural stability and endurance for effective execution of complex movements. Core endurance is essential for balancing the trunk and stability in dance movements, whilst flexibility enables the movement of postures through a range of motion for gestures. It is essential to maintain balance in static and dynamic positions throughout the performance. The relationship between core endurance, flexibility and balance of the Bharatanatyam dancers is yet to be comprehensively synthesized , although these physical attributes are deemed essential for optimal performance. Unraveling these relationships may hold valuable insights for dance training, injury prevention, and performance.
Methods: A quick analysis was undertaken to collate recent information and evidence of core endurance and flexibility and balance in Bharatanatyam dancers. As per the inclusion criteria, studies that reported on at least one of the variables were included. For studies on Bharatanatyam dancers in English, various electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science and ScienceDirect. Essential information on
Study design: , participants, outcome measures, and key
Findings: was extracted and narratively synthesized.
Results: Research has indicated that Bharatanatyam dancers have better flexibility, balance and core stability than the non-dancers. Research shows that core endurance is positively associated with balance performance, with increased trunk stability leading to better postural control. The flexibility also affected the equilibrium by helping to execute movement effectively and successfully applying the strategy. Researches have indicated that dancers have dynamic balance and control of movement when they have higher core endurance. Nevertheless, differences in evaluation
methods and sample characteristics impeded direct comparison between studies.
Conclusion: According to research, core endurance, flexibility, and balance are interrelated in Bharatanatyam dancers. Moreover, these contribute to performance. Improvements in one component may improve others by enhanced neuromuscular control and movement efficiency. There is need for a causal study with standardized tools and longitudinal designs for evidence-based training of Bharatanatyam dancers for future research.