Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders of Dance Teachers in Germany: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Maintaining the health of the musculoskeletal system in movement-associated professions, such as dance teachers, is of great importance for a long-lasting professional practice. The aim of this study was to record work-related musculoskeletal disorders and the causes of these disorders for dance teachers in Germany. Using a retrospective cross-sectional survey, data on the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders were collected from n = 229 dance teachers (n = 181 women) aged 22 to 77 years using an online questionnaire. In addition, differences between sexes and among dance styles were also analysed. The 12-month prevalence was 60.7% (95% CI: 54.0-67.1%), and on average, there were 2.58 disorders per dance teacher per year (95% CI: 2.17-2.99). Work-related musculoskeletal disorders affected male and female dance teachers equally (phi = 0.11, p = 0.088 resp. r = 0.080, p = 0.228). Disorders were mainly registered in the lumbar spine (14.9%) and ankle (12.5%). The joint structures (29.9%) and the musculature (20.9%) were most frequently affected. Specific movements (18.7%) as well as fatigue and overload (15.2%) were mentioned as the most frequent causes irrespective of dance style. Dance teachers were not significantly differently affected for musculoskeletal disorders than the general working German population. Future studies should consider a prospective evaluation of such disorders and develop prevention strategies with consideration of sex- and dance style-specific circumstances.

Automated summary

The study aimed to investigate work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dance teachers in Germany. A survey was conducted with 229 dance teachers, revealing a 12-month prevalence rate of 60.7%. The most affected areas were the lumbar spine and ankle, and no significant differences were found based on dance styles and gender. These findings are important for developing prevention strategies and personalized interventions.