Relationship between muscular imbalance and pelvic posture during araimandi in Bharatanatyam dancers

Abstract

ABSTRACT The thigh, hip and lower back have been common sights of injuries in Bharatanatyam dancers. The study investigates the relationship between muscular activity levels of the leg and pelvic posture during araimandi. Electromyography(EMG) and postural analysis were used to measure the activation in three selected muscle groups(Quadriceps, Hamstrings and Gluteus Maximus) and the pelvic posture study in seven dancers. Depending on the training level, EMG tracings indicated that dancers indicated higher activation of the Quadriceps or Gluteus Maximus. The Hamstrings remained the least activation muscle in all dancers. Thus, due to the difference in activation levels, muscular imbalance may occur in Bharatanatyam dancers. Further, anterior pelvic tilt was the most commonly observed misalignment. The movement biomechanics, faulty movement adaptation, and pelvic orientation primarily influenced muscle activation patterns. The dancer’s training level and compensatory strategies influenced the pelvic posture while performing the araimandi movement. Although both muscular imbalance and pelvic alignment influenced each other, the pelvis’s orientation significantly affected the leg muscles’ activation patterns. Thus, the study established a relationship between muscular imbalance and pelvic alignment. Further, applications of these findings to dance training have been discussed.