Normative values for dance specific musculoskeletal parameters for the young recreational female dancer training in the Australian setting

Crookshanks, Debra BAppScPty, GradDipManipTher, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

It is now commonplace in dance medicine to use a set of musculoskeletal tests to measure and report range of motion ^{(3, 4)} as well as the likelihood of predisposition to injury ^(1-3) or poor performance. The results of these tests would then be used to instigate the appropriate intervention to decrease the possibility of injury and/or improve the performance of the dancer ⁽³⁾. In order to do this it is crucial that those managing young dancers know the normative values for the population they are dealing with ⁽⁴⁾ and how to interpret the results of the tests with regard to improving outcomes for each individual dancer.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to describe normative values for dance specific parameters for  recreational dancers in the Australian setting.

Method

The study is a descriptive research design using a widely accepted screening protocol. The results of 225 screening assessments have been analysed to date with an age range of 6 years 8 months to 25 years. 

Results

 Hip joint external rotation, iliopsoas, hamstrings and soleus range of motion are presented for discussion as well as ankle plantarflexion and first MTP dorsiflexion range of motion.Most measurements were found to peak around 11 years of age, drop off between 11-13 years and improve again around 13-14 years continuing to improve thereafter. The expectation of 90^o of first MTP dorsiflexion and 175^o-180^o of functional ankle plantarflexion is not unreasonable even for the very young dancer. 

Conclusion: Normative data for optimum levels of flexibility relative to a student?s age and hours of training may assist practitioners working with dancers to set realistic goals with the primary intent being to maximise a student?s potential while minimising risk of injury. 

References

1. Siev-Ner I, Barak A, Heim M et al: The value of screening. J Dance Medicine & Science.

           1(3): 87-92, 1997.

2. Solomon R: A pro-active screening program for addressing injury prevention in a professional ballet company. J Dance Med & Sc. 1(3):113-117,1997.

3. Liederbach M: Screening for functional capacity in dancers. Designing standardized, dance specific injury prevention screening tools. J Dance Med & Sc. 1(3):93-106, 1997.

4. Welsh TM: A primer on measuring dancer?s capacities. J Dance Med & Sc. 2003: 7(1)5-9.