Purpose: Dance, an artistic movement, has utility as therapy when performed accurately and safely. Dance movements consist of movement exercises promoting muscle building, flexibility, and enhancing longevity. We previously demonstrated that general human motion may be quantified, and "signatures" of correct movements may be defined using stretchable digital motion sensors. Here we applied this approach to dance, investigating knee motion and pelvic orientation for the classical ballet move, the demi plié. We hypothesized that deviations in motion signatures are identifiable between dancers performing correct vs. incorrect demi pliés, as well as between collegiate level dancers and non-dancers. Methods: Motion sensors (BioStamps) were placed on the left tibialis anterior and sacrum of seven classically trained, injury-free, collegiatelevel dancers, who then performed: 1) correct demi pliés, 2) incorrect demi pliés with anterior pelvic tilt, and 3) incorrect demi pliés with posterior pelvic tilt. Six non-dancers of similar age, performed correct demi pliés to the best of their ability. Acceleration and gyroscope data was collected (X, Y, and Z axes) on all. Results: For all subjects pelvic and knee motion signatures were clearly defined and analyzable. Sacrum rotation among dancers differed between correct demi plié and incorrect demi plié conditions (p<0.03). In comparing correct demi pliés of dancers with non-dancers', a significant difference in sacral rotation was noted (p<0.001). Inter-dancer variation was found in movement of the tibialis anterior during correct demi pliés, showing some dancer's knees moving anteriorly, with some posteriorly. Variation of the movement of the tibialis anterior among non-dancers was found as well. Wearable sensors accurately tracked pelvic and knee motions during classical ballet movements. This approach demonstrates the potential for enhanced monitoring and defining of motions associated with dance -for injury prevention, artistic aesthetic and for translation and application to medical dance therapy.
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