Examining Neuromuscular Control of the Vastus Medialis Oblique and Vastus Lateralis Muscles During Fundamental Dance Movements.

Elite dancers have a higher rate of injury than college athletes. This may be due, in part, to improper alignment during dance movements. Electromyography (EMG) can be an important indicator of such activity. This study aimed to examine how turnout (maximal hip external rotation) impacts activation of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles during fundamental dance movements. Thirty female collegiate dancers were recruited from intermediate and advanced ballet and modern technique classes. Surface EMG was used to examine activation of the VMO and VL during maximal isokinetic knee extension in demi-pliés and sautés in parallel and turned-out positions. The mean VMO:VL ratio was determined as a percentage of the highest repetition of maximal extension. The ratio was significantly lower during parallel sautés (0.921 ± 0.258) in comparison to turned-out sautés (1.008 ± 0.384; p = 0.033) and parallel pliés (1.185 ± 0.509; p = 0.002). No significant relationships were found between the VMO:VL ratio and injury history or predominant style of dance. Further investigation is warranted to examine the relationships between VMO:VL activation, patellofemoral alignment, and risk of pathology during simple and complex dance movements.

Integrative Dance for Adults with Down Syndrome: Effects on Postural Stability.

Postural stability, one's ability to maintain an upright stable position, is a crucial aspect of functional mobility and independent living. The purpose of this study was to examine if integrative dance classes have the potential to improve the postural stability in individuals with Down syndrome (DS). Utilizing a one group design, seven participants with DS were evaluated before and after a 12-week integrative dance class (ClinicalTrials.gov#NCT03660423). Postural stability was evaluated in uni- and bilateral quiet standing using a Wii Balance Board. Stability levels were measured based on changes in center of pressure (CoP) variables. Pre to post changes were found in in CoPx displacement (Z = -2.028, p = 0.043) and average speed (Z = -2.197, p = 0.028) in the eyes closed condition and in CoPy displacement with eyes open (Z = -2.366, p = 0.018). These data indicate improved postural stability following an intervention of integrative dance and a potential for improved functional mobility and decreased fall risk for the participants involved. This preliminary study suggests the need for further research into the effects of integrative dance on postural stability in those with DS and its use as a rehabilitative tool.

Insights on Ten Weeks of Classical Ballet Training and Postural Stability in Older Adults.

Older adults show an increased risk of falling as they age, but dance interventions of various genres have been shown to improve postural stability in this population. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a ten-week beginning ballet intervention on postural stability for older adults. Eleven participants enrolled in the Dance Group (DG; 73.3 ± 10.6 years) while six enrolled in the Control Group (CG; 69.5 ± 11.9 years) via convenience sample. Following the intervention, no significant differences were seen within the DG from pre-to post-testing or when comparing delta values (post minus pre) between groups in the center of pressure area, displacement, or speed (p > 0.05). While no differences were seen with this intervention, the ballet barre was used for approximately half of each dance class; future ballet interventions for older adults may benefit from training without a barre to enhance potential effects on postural stability.

An integrative dance class to improve physical function of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities: a feasibility study.

Background: This paper examines the feasibility of utilizing an integrative contemporary dance class for improving physical function in adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Methods: Eighteen individuals participated in a 12-week dance class alongside 11 matriculated college students registered in an integrative dance course. Lower extremity strength, flexibility, mobility and balance testing was measured at pre- and post- testing. The dance class comprised 60 min of dance training two times per week. College students participated by dancing alongside the individuals in the class and assisting, if required. Results: Significant improvements were found in lower extremity strength in all muscle groups tested, hamstring flexibility, generalized mobility and stability. Conclusions: Integrative contemporary dance may provide meaningful physical improvements for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and are in need of further development and research.

The Impact of a Ballet and Modern Dance Performance on Heart Rate Variability in Collegiate Dancers.

Heart rate (HR) variability (HRV) is a useful tool for assessing cardiac autonomic function and identifying potential readiness to perform in athletic populations, but has yet to be investigated in dance populations. As such, HRV may be able to provide valuable insight into the preparedness of dancers and the demands of performance in a collegiate dance population. 29 female dancers were monitored leading up to and following a dance performance. Analysis of HRV focused on the square root of the mean squared differences of the successive RR intervals (RMSSD). A one-way ANOVA, with Bonferroni post-hoc, paired with magnitude-based-inferences (MBI) with effect sizes (ES) were used to analyze changes during the Winter Dance Concert, while the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes (REST-Q Sport) measured the frequency of stress of dancers. When compared to baseline (69.8 ± 1.7 bpm), mean (HR) was increased at both pre-show recordings (76.5 ± 2.1 bpm and 75.6 ± 1.8 bpm). In contrast, RMSSD was significantly diminished (p < 0.05) at both pre-show recordings (40.6 ± 28.4 ms and 40.5 ± 21.8 ms) as compared to baseline (70.3 ± 38.4 ms). Dancers reported increased (p < 0.05) self-efficacy before the second show and at 36 h post-concert. As expected, Dance Exposure (DE) increased significantly (p < 0.05), while Academic Exposure (AE) was similar, during the week leading up to the dance concert. The results suggest dancers responded to concert dance performances similarly to other athletic populations approaching intense competition by exhibiting decreased parasympathetic activity prior to the dance performances, which returned to baseline values 36 h after their performances. Given the increase in self-efficacy, these fluctuations may indicate a readiness to a performance comparable to athletes.

Self-Reported Injury and Management in a Liberal Arts College Dance Department.

UNLABELLED: Dancers often view injuries as a necessary sacrifice for participating in their art form. The purpose of this research was to determine the frequency and patterns of injury in a non-conservatory, liberal arts dance environment. These data may enable dance departments to provide more effective health resources. METHODS: Dancers registered in technique courses in a liberal arts dance department (including ballet, modern, tap, and jazz) completed an injury questionnaire immediately following the occurrence of any dance-related injury over the course of one semester. RESULTS: Out of 168 students registered in the department, 46 injuries were reported throughout the semester. The greatest rate of injury was in September and December with 0.95 and 0.65 injuries reported per day, respectively. 89.1% of participants indicated that they would use a direct-access, on-campus physical therapist or athletic trainer if available, though 45.7% of injured participants indicated that they would seek treatment off campus. CONCLUSIONS: Dancers in a liberal arts collegiate program may train at a higher intensity during the semester than summer break, which likely accounts for the high incidence of injury in September. Of those injured, most planned on self-treating, but none planned on missing class. Pre-semester screening and post-semester cross-training education should be implemented in liberal arts dance programs to help decrease the rate of injury seen when returning to dance following prolonged time off from dancing. Additionally, direct access to physical therapy or athletic training treatment would likely be utilized by these students if available.