Study of Muscle Activity during Relevé in First and Sixth Positions

Abstract

To assess differences in the muscular activation related to position when performing relevé, a kinetic and kinematic analysis was performed on 18 professional classical ballet dancers aged 14 to 32. The degree of plantar flexion and the involvement of the peroneus longus, soleus, gastrocnemius, and abductor hallucis muscles were analyzed. The results in sixth position (parallel) against external rotation of the hip or turnout and the correct first position against first position with foot pronation were compared. All comparisons were evaluated using the Wilcoxon test. When in relevé, the plantar flexion values were greater in sixth position than in first and also greater in the correct first position than in first with pronated feet. The medial gastrocnemius muscle had more electromyo-graphical activity when the relevé is done in first position. However, the abductor hallucis exerted greater activity when in the sixth position. The low activity of this muscle when in first position may reflect deficient stability of the internal arch and the first ray, thereby leading to increased risk of injury. With foot pronation, the peroneus longus and gastrocnemius muscles presented their highest activity levels.