Knee angular displacement analysis in amateur ballet dancers: A pilot study

Effect of augmented feedback on classical ballet jump kinematics: A single-blind randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Augmented feedback strategies have been demonstrated to enhance jump-related biomechanics. Nevertheless, its effect on classical ballet is still unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a multimodal augmented feedback session is effective for improving lower limb and trunk kinematics during a classical ballet single-leg jump.

METHODS

In a single-blind randomized controlled trial, 36 amateur classical ballet dancers were randomly assigned to either a control group (n = 18) to receive a brief warm-up session, or an augmented feedback group (n = 18) to receive, in addition to a brief warm-up session, a combined visual feedback session associated with verbal instruction. Hip kinematics in the frontal and transversal planes and knee and trunk kinematics in the frontal plane were analysed at baseline, immediate post-intervention, and one-week post-intervention. Intervention effects were analysed using a two-way, mixed model, repeated-measures analysis of variance.

RESULTS

No interaction effects were observed, indicating that a single session of multimodal augmented feedback was insufficient to improve lower limb and trunk kinematics during a classical ballet single-leg jump in amateur classical ballet dancers.

CONCLUSION

A single session of multimodal augmented feedback should not be used as the sole component in prevention programs intended to improve jump-related kinematics in amateur classical ballet dancers.

Association of Proximal and Distal Factors With Lower Limb Kinematics During a Classical Ballet Jump

CONTEXT

Excessive dynamic lower limb misalignment may predispose ballet dancers to jump-related injuries. However, it is unknown whether proximal and distal factors influence this movement pattern. The aim of this study was to investigate whether hip abduction strength, foot alignment, and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) are associated with peak angles of hip adduction and internal rotation and knee abduction during the preparation and landing phases of a classical ballet jump.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Forty-one healthy amateur ballet dancers were included. Hip abduction strength was evaluated isometrically using a handheld dynamometer, foot alignment was determined by the shank-forefoot alignment, and weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion ROM was measured by performing the lunge test. Peak hip and knee angles were analyzed 3-dimensionally during the preparation and landing phases of a single-leg jump. A Pearson correlation matrix was used to investigate the association of hip abduction strength, shank-forefoot alignment, and ankle dorsiflexion ROM with peak angles of hip adduction and internal rotation and knee abduction during the preparation and landing phases of the jump.

RESULTS

Greater hip abduction strength was associated with greater peak hip internal rotation angle (r = .43, P < .05), but not with peak hip adduction and knee abduction angles during the preparation phase of the jump. There were no associations of shank-forefoot alignment and ankle dorsiflexion ROM with peak hip and knee angles during the preparation (r = -.23 to .36, P > .05) and landing (r = -.20 to .24, P > .05) phases of the jump. There was no association of hip abduction strength with peak hip and knee angles during the landing phase of the jump (r = -.28 to .16, P > .05).

CONCLUSION

Hip abductors strengthening, correction of foot misalignments, and increasing ankle dorsiflexion ROM may not prevent excessive hip and knee movements during a classical ballet single-leg jump in amateur dancers.

POSTURAL PROFILE OF CLASSICAL BALLERINAS FROM THE VALE DO SÃO FRANCISCO REGION OF BRAZIL

ABSTRACT Objective: The study aimed to determine the association between postural changes and practice of classical ballet among ballerinas from Integrated Administrative Region of Development (RIDE) in Polo Petrolina/PE and Juazeiro/BA. Methods: Cross-sectional observational study with 19 classical ballerinas aged over 15 years and at least 5 years of uninterrupted classical ballet practice. The anthropometric assessment included measurements of total body mass, height and body mass index (BMI). Postural evaluation was performed using the photogrammetric method with help of Posturograma(r) and SAPO(c) software. Results: The mean age was 25.3±11.7 years and the mean BMI was 21.4±2.9 kg/m². Approximately 74% of classical ballerinas had normal anthropometric profile. The postural profile of the classical ballerinas showed inclination and protrusion of the head, trunk rotation, rectification of cervical lordosis, increased thoracic kyphosis, increased lumbar lordosis, pelvic inclination and anteversion. Conclusion: The practice of ballet led to changes in body alignment of the classical ballerinas evaluated. The results points out to the need of postural re-education in order to contribute for the kinetic-functional balance of classical ballet practitioners.