Osteopathic Research Web

Plantar flexion and classic ballet dancers: An osteopathic approach

Item

Title

Plantar flexion and classic ballet dancers: An osteopathic approach

Title

Plantar flexion and classic ballet dancers: An osteopathic approach

Author(s)

H. Slot

Abstract

TITLE: Plantar flexion and classic ballet dancers: An osteopathic approach.
RESEARCH TITLE: Research on the added value of the effect of a set of osteopathic techniques on the plantar flexion of amateur classic ballet dancers when dancing on pointe.
BACKGROUND: In order to dance on pointe, classic ballet dancers need an increased plantar flexion range of motion as well as strength. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of a set of osteopathic techniques on the plantar flexion range of motion and strength of amateur classic ballet dancers when dancing on pointe. METHOD: Thirty one amateur female ballet dancers were randomised in an experimental group (n = 17, 31.3 ±8.2 years of age) and a control group (n = 14, 30.2 ±6.0 years of age). The experimental group received two sets of osteopathic techniques, aiming to obtain a release of the horizontal diaphragms, in addition to the normal dance training. The control group followed the normal dance training. Plantar flexion range of motion was measured by goniometry and inclinometry. Plantar flexion strength was measured by hand held dynamometer. RESULTS: The set of osteopathic techniques significantly increase the non-weight bearing plantar flexion range of motion, repeated measures (ANOVA: % change = 2.8 ±3.3, p = .09) in the left foot as well as the strength in the right, repeated measures (ANOVA: % change = 7.5 ±10.1, p = .04). These effects were more pronounced for younger and less experienced ballet dancers. A longitudinal analysis suggests that the effects generated continues to increase plantar flexion range of motion and strength after the immediate intervention. DISCUSSION: This study lacking power shows promising results although some are statistically significant and others were directionally consistent with expectations. The findings contribute to the role of osteopathy in the training and treatment of ballet dancers when dancing on pointe. To our knowledge, it was the first time the hand held dynamo-meter was used in a ballet dancers’ population and has implications for future research. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the osteopathic techniques focusing on the horizontal diaphragms contribute to increased plantar flexion range of motion and strength in ballet dancers.

Abstract

TITLE: Plantar flexion and classic ballet dancers: An osteopathic approach.
RESEARCH TITLE: Research on the added value of the effect of a set of osteopathic techniques on the plantar flexion of amateur classic ballet dancers when dancing on pointe.
BACKGROUND: In order to dance on pointe, classic ballet dancers need an increased plantar flexion range of motion as well as strength. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of a set of osteopathic techniques on the plantar flexion range of motion and strength of amateur classic ballet dancers when dancing on pointe. METHOD: Thirty one amateur female ballet dancers were randomised in an experimental group (n = 17, 31.3 ±8.2 years of age) and a control group (n = 14, 30.2 ±6.0 years of age). The experimental group received two sets of osteopathic techniques, aiming to obtain a release of the horizontal diaphragms, in addition to the normal dance training. The control group followed the normal dance training. Plantar flexion range of motion was measured by goniometry and inclinometry. Plantar flexion strength was measured by hand held dynamometer. RESULTS: The set of osteopathic techniques significantly increase the non-weight bearing plantar flexion range of motion, repeated measures (ANOVA: % change = 2.8 ±3.3, p = .09) in the left foot as well as the strength in the right, repeated measures (ANOVA: % change = 7.5 ±10.1, p = .04). These effects were more pronounced for younger and less experienced ballet dancers. A longitudinal analysis suggests that the effects generated continues to increase plantar flexion range of motion and strength after the immediate intervention. DISCUSSION: This study lacking power shows promising results although some are statistically significant and others were directionally consistent with expectations. The findings contribute to the role of osteopathy in the training and treatment of ballet dancers when dancing on pointe. To our knowledge, it was the first time the hand held dynamo-meter was used in a ballet dancers’ population and has implications for future research. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the osteopathic techniques focusing on the horizontal diaphragms contribute to increased plantar flexion range of motion and strength in ballet dancers.

presented at

FICO

Date Accepted

2018

Date Submitted

1.9.2018 09:28:13

Type

osteo_thesis

Language

English

Number of pages

80

Submitted by:

4384

Pub-Identifier

16200

Inst-Identifier

1169

Keywords

plantar flexion; ballet dancers; range of motion; strength; manual fascial techniques

Recommended

0

Item sets

Thesis

H. Slot, “Plantar flexion and classic ballet dancers: An osteopathic approach”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 6, 2024, https://www.osteopathicresearch.com/s/orw/item/2077