Integration of a Complex Balance Task into a Concussion Management Protocol Specific to Dancers

Abstract

Mechanisms for concussions in dance include drops from lifting, falls from stage sets, and contact with the floor or fellow dancers that happen during class, rehearsal, or performances. Despite the recent awareness of sports-related concussions, there are gaps in knowledge regarding dance-specific concussions and what a “return to dance” protocol should look like for dancers. Although dance is not a high-impact sport like football or rugby, concussions still occur and can be calamitous for a collegiate and professional dancer’s career. Balance tests, standard in concussion management protocols, are useful tools for evaluating the motor domain of balance functioning and are considered reliable and valid assessments of athletes suffering from concussions. PURPOSE: Develop and investigate a complex balance task to integrate into a concussion management protocol specific to dancers. METHODS: 31 participants, pre-professional dancers (n=12) and recreational dancers (n=19), completed an multipart evaluation to assess static and dynamic balance. They were tested using the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) test which assessed static balance through performing 3 stances on surfaces (ground and Airex Balance Pad). The modified Dance BESS (DBESS) test assessed static and dynamic balance of the participants through performing 10 dance movements on 3 surfaces (ground, Airex Balance Pad and foam balance beam). Participants were monitored and scored for errors on each balance test. RESULTS: Pre- professional dancers and recreational dancers were not significantly different for static balance on the BESS and DBESS (p>0.05). There was significant difference between the pre-professional dancers and recreational dancers (p<0.05) for the dynamic balance conditions in the Dance BESS. CONCLUSIONS: More skilled dancers show greater differences with dynamic balance conditions. Thus, creation of more dynamic balance tasks would be useful for baseline and post concussion testing and aid in the overall tracking during the concussion rehabilitation period for dancers.