Biomechanical Analysis of Lower Limb in Bharatanatyam Dance Using Musculoskeletal Modeling.

BACKGROUND

Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form, involves dynamic lower limb movements often performed in extreme joint positions. This study aims to biomechanically evaluate one of the basic movement units (adavu) of Bharatanatyam called Paichal adavu and its three variations, denoted for this study as Simple Paichal (SP), Paichal Variation (PV), and Paichal Mandi (PM), using 3D motion capture and musculoskeletal modeling.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: A trained male Bharatanatyam dancer performed the three variations of the Paichal movement in a motion capture lab equipped with a Qualisys motion capture system and an AMTI force plate. Kinematics, joint contact forces, muscle activations, and muscle forces were analyzed using a musculoskeletal model.

RESULTS

The PM showed the highest compressive knee joint force (16 BW) and maximum muscle force (10 BW in the vastus lateralis), indicating high stabilizing demands. The PV exhibited the highest hip flexion (112.4°) and ankle dorsiflexion (-33°), along with substantial joint forces, reflecting dynamic loading. The SP had the lowest overall joint and muscle loads but showed short bursts of muscle activation, especially in the rectus femoris and tensor fasciae latae (TFL).

CONCLUSION

Among the analyzed movements, PM imposed the greatest muscular and joint stabilization demands, while the PV, with body turn, involved the highest mobility and dynamic loading. These biomechanical insights can support the development of safer techniques and, thus, injury prevention for Bharatanatyam dancers.