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

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 +/- 2.5years, 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. What are the new findings

Automated summary

This study aims to comprehensively assess the functional and structural characteristics of the lower extremities in first-grade dance conservatory students. The study found that over 60% of the students had discrepancies in lower extremity length and asymmetry in passive hip internal rotation and external rotation. Additionally, signs of increased pronation, postural asymmetry, and scoliosis were observed in some students.