Analysis for Angle, Center of Mass and Muscle Activity on Good and Bad Motion of the Pirouette in Ballet

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify major factors on pirouette in ballet, and especially angle, Center of Mass(CM) & muscle activity aspects. The data were collected by using Motion Analysis System with 12 cameras to analyze kinematic variables with 120 Hz and Electromyography(EMG; 4,000 Hz) & Force Platform(1,000 Hz) to analyze kinetic variables. The subjects of this study were 8 female ballet dancers. The results as follow. First of all, full extension of knee joint and full plantar flexion of ankle joint appeared at the similar point. Secondly, in the rotational phase, total movement of segments in Good motion is smaller than that of Bad motion(in Good motion, head movement 2.70 cm, right shoulder movement 0.72 cm, left shoulder 4.26 cm, left wrist 17.4 mm smaller than Bad motion). Third, CoP distance of Good motion is 11.76 mm, and CoP distance of Bad motion is 11.76 mm, so Good motion is 5.98 mm smaller). Lastly, Pirouette need more retus femur activity than gastrocnemius activity in extention phase and rotation phase of support leg.