Foot pressures in dancers: an investigation into the plantar pressure distribution of dancers in neutral, 1st position and tendu seconde
Item
- Title
- Foot pressures in dancers: an investigation into the plantar pressure distribution of dancers in neutral, 1st position and tendu seconde
- Author(s)
- Ellis Nicola
- Abstract
-
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to establish whether dancers displayed consistent specific patterns of pressure across the plantar surface of the feet, and if so how the distribution differed from the general population. It is postulated that by analysing percentage pressure distributions of a normal foot in 3 different stance positions, a baseline for future assessment of normal and abnormal pressure patterning may be provided.METHOD: 20 asymptomatic female subjects (n= 20) comprising of 10 dancers (DP) and 10 non dancers (NDP) (mean age=19+/-0.2) performed 3 tests, each repeated 3 times during one meeting. Two of the tests involved holding a basic dance position (1st position and Tendu 2nd) the third test was in neutral stance. Tests were measured using the Rs Footscan pressure plate system utilising the dynamic programme. Participants were neither encouraged nor discouraged from warming up prior to testing. Between each reading subjects were informed they could step off the equipment should they want. The differences exhibited in pressure distributions were assessed by dividing the plantar surface of the foot into 7 categories (heel n=2, metatarsals n=5) and utilising the sagittal Z line of axis of the foot as a divide between medial and lateral foot pressures. Results were compared between population groups and tests.
RESULTS: The data revealed that there was no significant difference exhibited between medial and lateral heel pressures in both population groups. Comparison of metatarsal pressures revealed significant differences in specific metatarsal division between DP and NDP, between inter-test comparisons and medial and lateral forefoot pressures.
CONCLUSION: It could be concluded that in neutral stance no differences exist between NDP and DP. When assuming dance specific positions the NDP displayed higher percentage pressure distributions through the medial aspect of the forefoot bilaterally than the DP. Both population groups displayed higher pressure values for the medial left forefoot than the right forefoot. Results suggest the NDP and DP are exhibiting differences in pressure distribution when standing in dance specific positions. This information could be used by osteopaths wishing to understand the mechanics of dance movement and provide reasons as to why injuries specific to profession may occur. - presented at
- British College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Date Accepted
- 0
- Date Submitted
- 1.1.1970 00:00:00
- Type
- osteo_thesis
- Language
- English
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 13666
- Inst-Identifier
- 1076
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Ellis Nicola, “Foot pressures in dancers: an investigation into the plantar pressure distribution of dancers in neutral, 1st position and tendu seconde”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed April 23, 2025, https://library.wso.at/s/orw/item/1091