Assessment of Compensated Turnout Characteristics and their Relationship to Injuries in University Level Modern Dancers

Abstract

Dancers may compensate alignment at the spine, hip, knees, ankles, and feet to achieve a greater turnout than is available at the hip alone. Such compensations are believed to lead to many of the musculoskeletal injuries experienced by dancers, especially overuse injuries. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between compensated turnout and injury of the lower extremities and low back. Twenty-two university level modern dancers age 19 to 23 participated. Measurements were taken of active hip external rotation (AHER) prone and functional turnout (FTO) in first position. The difference between FTO and AHER was designated as compensated turnout (CTO). A questionnaire was conducted to gather information about dancers' injuries within the past 2 years. A total of 17 participants (77%) reported experiencing at least one injury in the 24 month period. All dancers compensated turnout. Results revealed a large variability in CTO among participants, ranging from 3° to 72°. Statistical analysis showed a significant relationship (r = 0.45, N = 22, p = 0.04) between CTO and the number of injuries experienced, especially as related to low back pain (r = 0.50, N = 22, p = 0.02). Students with no injury had a CTO mean of 26°, while those with two or more injuries had a CTO mean of 43°. Results contribute to previous studies that have examined the effects of CTO in ballet dancers and further indicate that compensatory patterns of turnout may increase the risk of experiencing more than one injury in university level modern dancers.

Métodos usados para avaliar o en dehors ou turnout de dançarinos e bailarinos clássicos: revisão da literatura

“…The measurement of the dancers' turnout with the subject standing on a piece of paper or soil or whiteboard, used by 9 out of the 25 studies found by this systematic review 1,20,21,39,43,[46][47][48]50 , is characterized as a static evaluation and, considering the friction of the subjects' feet with the soil, can interfere with the found values for turnout. Therefore, to dynamically evaluate the turnout and to eliminate the influence of this friction on its values, six studies used no-friction rotational discs to measure it 20,38,42,[49][50][51] .…”

Single-leg squats can predict leg alignment in dancers performing ballet movements in “turnout”

“…Assessment of the turnout capacities in dancers has been the focus of many research studies which have predominantly focused on the relationship between turnout in a standing position and the active and passive hip joint external rotation ranges of motion 10,27–30. The results of the present study reported turnout angles during rise and sissonne to be greater than those reported in previous research studies 10,27,28,30. However, the turnout angle of sissonne is likely overestimated due to the oblique anteriorly tilted position of the pelvis during the task that results during from the hip extension of the opposite leg.…”

Alterations in Foot Positioning During Ankle Taping and its Effects on Range of Motion and Jump Performance in Dancers

“…1,[83][84][85] Many of the injuries of dancers usually occur during jumps, lifts, and high impact movements. 86 Shah 83 contributed to understanding dance injuries by analyzing injuries within professional modern dancers. She found that 18% of the total injuries of have been related to the ankle.…”

“…95 Most dancers would like a turnout of about 180 degrees. 86 Sometimes dancers want to compensate alignment in the spine, hip, knee, and feet in order to achieve that perfect turnout. 86 These compensations have been shown to have a high contribution to overuse injury in dance.…”

“…86 Sometimes dancers want to compensate alignment in the spine, hip, knee, and feet in order to achieve that perfect turnout. 86 These compensations have been shown to have a high contribution to overuse injury in dance. 86 Within the current study, the performance of a sauté jump is observed.…”