Influence of dance training on challenging postural control task

Abstract

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that dance training affects postural control, particularly during challenging tasks. However, it is still unknown whether dance training also affects the ability to use vestibular, somatosensory, and visual cues, thus leading to postural control differences. ObjectiveThe main goal of the present study was to evaluate the influence of dance training on sensory weighting during static postural control. MethodThe center of pressure of 24 participants was recorded (12 dancers and 12 control non-dancers) using a force platform as well as the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Organization in Balance (mCTISB). ResultsThe results suggest that dancers perform significantly better than controls in conditions where somatosensory cues are disturbed. Moreover, a significant negative correlation between vestibular frequency band and training intensity was observed, along with, a significant positive correlation between visual frequency band and training intensity. SignificanceThis research outlines dancers’ increased ability to modulate sensory weighting differently than non-dancers during postural task where somatosensory cues are reduced.