Comparing Ankle Range of Motion, Functional Ability, Talar Tilt Angle and Foot Injuries between High School Ballet Majors with and without Foot Deformities

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to compare and contrast ankle range of motion, functional ability, talar- tilt angle and foot injuries between high school ballet majors with and without foot deformities and to provide fundamental data about effective intervention methods for their successful performance and injury prevention. METHODS: Subjects were 18 female high school ballet dancers, eight with foot deformities and ten without foot deformities. For statistical analysis, the independent t-test (SPSS 20.0; SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA) was used and the significant level of P<0.050 was selected. RESULTS: 1. Foot injuries of plantar flexion and talar tilt were significantly different between the two groups (P<0.050). 2. The deformity group displayed a higher proportion of mechanical instability compared to that of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Foot deformities in high school students majoring in ballet can have negative effects to the ankle joint, with a strong possibility of ankle instability and foot injuries linked to tarlar tilt, and quite probably, of chronic ankle sprain.