Evaluation of movements of lower limbs in non-professional ballet dancers: hip abduction and flexion

Erica E Valenti,Celso Ferreira,Hugo Macedo Junior,Isadora L Moreno,Oseas F Moura Filho,Edison N Fujiki,Tatiana Dias De Carvalho,Luiz Carlos M Vanderlei,Vitor E Valenti,Ana Clara Cr Gonçalves,Nadir Tassi,Luiz Carlos De Abreu,Marcio Petenusso,Carlos B De Mello Monteiro,Claudio Leone

doi:10.1186/1758-2555-3-16

Abstract

BackgroundThe literature indicated that the majority of professional ballet dancers present static and active dynamic range of motion difference between left and right lower limbs, however, no previous study focused this difference in non-professional ballet dancers. In this study we aimed to evaluate active movements of the hip in non-professional classical dancers.MethodsWe evaluated 10 non professional ballet dancers (16-23 years old). We measured the active range of motion and flexibility through Well Banks. We compared active range of motion between left and right sides (hip flexion and abduction) and performed correlation between active movements and flexibility.ResultsThere was a small difference between the right and left sides of the hip in relation to the movements of flexion and abduction, which suggest the dominant side of the subjects, however, there was no statistical significance. Bank of Wells test revealed statistical difference only between the 1st and the 3rd measurement. There was no correlation between the movements of the hip (abduction and flexion, right and left sides) with the three test measurements of the bank of Wells.ConclusionThere is no imbalance between the sides of the hip with respect to active abduction and flexion movements in non-professional ballet dancers.

Highlights

The literature indicated that the majority of professional ballet dancers present static and active dynamic range of motion difference between left and right lower limbs, no previous study focused this difference in non-professional ballet dancers
Range of motion (ROM) measurement One researcher measured the active range of motion (ROM) of classical non professional dancers at the supine position; we studied active hip abduction and flexion
We evaluated hip abduction and flexion because hip abduction combined with lateral rotation is held at “en dehor” position and hip flexion is a movement used by ballet dancers during many movements at standing

Summary

Introduction

The literature indicated that the majority of professional ballet dancers present static and active dynamic range of motion difference between left and right lower limbs, no previous study focused this difference in non-professional ballet dancers. In this study we aimed to evaluate active movements of the hip in non-professional classical dancers. Dancers are a unique blend of artist and athlete susceptible to musculoskeletal injuries and pain. Because most dancers begin training at a young age, there is potential for a great impact on their future health. The interplay of physical and aesthetic demands in dance may lead to various health issues especially relevant to dancers. A variety of musculoskeletal disorders have been described in athletes [4,5,6,7] and dancers [8,9,10] due to lower limbs overload, which may significantly impact on their

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