Influence of Different Breathing Strategies on Plantar Pressure Distribution in Ballet Movements

Abstract

PURPOSE This study investigated the differences in plantar pressure distribution when using three breathing techniques during heel raises.METHODS The subjects were 29 professional dancers aged 20 to 30 years with more than 10 years of experience. Pressure distribution according to breathing method during heel raise was measured for 10 seconds while controlling the raise speed and gaze. The three breathing techniques were randomly ordered. Peak pressure, contact area and time, displacement, and absolute velocity of the center of pressure trajectory were measured using Emed<sup>®</sup>-le from Novel GMBH. Plantar pressure was analyzed by dividing it into a total of 12 areas (masks): five toes, five metatarsals, the midfoot, and the hindfoot.RESULTS Using the teeth occlusion breathing technique, the peak pressure on the first metatarsal was significantly reduced, the contact time of the second metatarsal was significantly longer, and the displacement of the center of pressure trajectory was significantly shorter. Additionally, during the phase of the forefoot retainer, the velocity of the center of pressure trajectory was significantly reduced.CONCLUSIONS The teeth occlusion technique reduces peak pressure, increases contact time and area, and decreases the displacement and velocity of the center of pressure trajectory, demonstrating an efficient method for maintaining balance in ballet movements. This technique can potentially enhance stability and prevent injuries in ballet dancers.