Minimising the effects of air travel and optimising post-flight recovery in dancers

Timothy Buckley, BPhysio, The Australian Ballet, Victoria, Australia; and Mayes, Susan B AppSci (Physio), The Australian Ballet, Victoria, Australia

BACKGROUND/APPROACH

Commercial air travel is a common feature of touring dance companies? schedules.  Altitude exposure and immobility associated with flight have numerous physiological effects on the traveller and can be detrimental to the resumption of dance workload post-flight.  

Based on a review of the literature, this presentation will explore the effects of air travel associated altitude exposure on otherwise healthy athletes.  Strategies to minimise complications and facilitate a safe return to dance post-flight will be suggested.  Material presented will be of interest to dancers and support staff, especially those engaging in air travel.

ARGUMENT

Effects of air travel

Altitude exposure results in a transient increase in markers of coagulation, systemic inflammation and lower limb oedema. Flight related hypoxia, venous stasis, and dehydration may be risk factors for the formation of deep vein thrombosis.  Jet lag associated with time-zone traversal may hinder dance performance in the days following travel.

Strategies to Optimise Post-Flight Recovery

A modified post-flight dance schedule would allow time for oedema, inflammatory and coagulation markers to return to baseline.  Compression stockings evidently reduce lower limb oedema and the incidence of deep vein thrombosis, whilst the hormone melatonin is an effective means of reducing symptoms of jet lag in air travellers.  In-flight consumption of electrolyte-carbohydrate beverages may prevent increases in lower limb blood viscosity.

CONCLUSION

By optimising post-flight recovery, hours of work lost due to injury and hence cost to dance companies may be reduced.