The science of biomechanics can promote dancers’ injury prevention strategies

Abstract

Background The most common sports activities leading to menisci injuries are tennis, jogging, gymnastics, and dancing. Menisci injuries in dancers most frequently occur due to rotational forces applied to the knee. Objectives: Since dancers’ movement is of great biomechanical and rehabilitation interest, the purpose of this review is to explore the biomechanical approach of this issue as well as to identify any gap to this process and propose corresponding assessments. A literature review search database of Pubmed, Medline, EMBASE, AMED, Scopus, Google Scholar, and CINAHL was conducted using relevant keywords and phrases. Major Findings: The most common dance movement that can cause meniscus injury, is the grand plié, because of the excessive range of motion combined to compressive forces and axial rotations that occur during the execution of the movement. Conclusions Α complete three-dimensional kinematic assessment of the lower limb joints from dynamic grand pliés or in intermidiate positions of the legs has not been made. Thus, further research has to be done with the use of optoelectronic cameras and force plates, to accurately identify weather excessive knee rotation range of motion or moments could lead in medial or/and lateral meniscus tear during the grand plié.