Lower extremity characteristics and postural alignment in young pre-professional dancers

Abstract

ABSTRACT Lower extremities (LE) play a fundamental role in ballet technique, yet they are not often assessed as thoroughly as other areas of the body in the youngest pre-professional dancers. The aim of this study was to assess the functional and structural characteristics in the LE of first-grade dance conservatory students to a more thorough extent. This study included a manual assessment of LE length in supine and sitting positions, measuring passive hip internal rotation (PHIR) and external rotation (PHER), comparing PHIR/PHER between both sides, functional assessment and visual inspection of rear and forefoot, classification of joint mobility, and inspection of postural alignment. Seventy-eight young dance students (9.5 ± 2.5 years, 91% female) were evaluated. Over 60% presented LE length discrepancy in both supine and sitting positions. Asymmetry of PHIR and PHER was detected. Signs of increased pronation were observed in 62.8% of cases, and 24.4% presented indications of postural asymmetry and/or scoliosis. Including the tests performed in this study in dance screenings may help in detecting functional characteristics of LE earlier. These in turn might affect the performance of young students; but if detected early, they can be assisted with correction or treatment.