ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to analyze the distribution of plantar pressure in six balletpositions and to compare those between the skilled and unskilled ballet dancers. METHODS: Thirty eight feet of healthy ballerina were evaluated by EMED-SF (Novel GMBH Inc. Ger.) system to analyze six positions of ballet. At each position, we estimated the static and dynamic positions. The forefoot was divided into 6 different zones on the basis of head of metatarsal bones. The degree of discipline was assessed by 3 expert ballerina. RESULTS: In each position, there were significant peak pressure distribution areas. In the skilled ballerina, there was less difference in peak pressure between the static and dynamic positions in comparision with the unskilled ballerina. In the skilled ballerina, more forces are distributed to M6 area in releve position and to M3 and M6 areas in turnout positions. CONCLUSION: Six basic ballet positions could be analyzed by plantar pressure measurement. There were some differences in the distribution of planter pressure in some ballet positions between the skilled and unskilled ballet dancers.