Biomechanical Analysis of Latin Dancers’ Lower Limb during Normal Walking

Abstract

Latin dance involves fundamental walking steps, integral to the dance process. While resembling daily walking, Latin dance demands higher balance levels, necessitating body adjustments by dancers. These adaptations affect dancers’ gait biomechanics, prompting our study on gait differences between Latin dancers (LDs) and non-dancers (NDs). We enlisted 21 female Latin dancers and 21 subjects based on specific criteria. Participants executed walking tasks, with an independent sample t-test for 1-dimensional statistical parameter mapping (SPM 1d) analyzing stance phase variations between LDs and NDs. Notably, significant differences in ankle and hip external rotation were evident during the 16.43–29.47% (p = 0.015) and 86.35–100% (p = 0.014) stance phase. Moreover, pronounced distinctions in rectus Achilles tendon force (ATF) (12.83–13.10%, p = 0.049; 15.89–80.19%, p < 0.001) and Patellofemoral joint contact force (PTF) (15.85–18.31%, p = 0.039; 21.14–24.71%, p = 0.030) during stance were noted between LDs (Latin dancers) and NDs (Non-dancers). The study revealed dancers’ enhanced balance attributed to external ankle rotation for dance stability, coupled with augmented Achilles tendon and patellofemoral joint strength from prolonged practice. Moreover, integrating suitable Latin dance into rehabilitation may benefit those with internal rotation gait issues.

Exploring biomechanical variations in ankle joint injuries among Latin dancers with different stance patterns: utilizing OpenSim musculoskeletal models

“…Based on previous research, we calculated the sample size determination using G- Power software (version: 3.1.9.7; Henry University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany). An independent samples t-test was conducted, with an effect size of 0.8 (significance level: 0.05) ( Gao et al, 2023 ). In this experiment, a total of 21 dancers habitually placing their body weight on the forefoot while dancing (age: 23.50 ± 1.12 years; height: 165.50 ± 2.92 cm; body weight (BW): 53.13 ± 2.52 kg), and the remaining 21 habitually distributing their body weight across the entire foot (age: 23.33 ± 0.94 years; height: 165.89 ± 2.64 cm; body weight (BW): 52.22 ± 2.48 kg) were investigated.…”

Structural and Organizational Strategies of Locomotor Modules during Landing in Patients with Chronic Ankle Instability

“…Specifically, these injuries correlate with reduced activation of gamma motor neurons and attenuated sensitivity of muscle spindles, ultimately resulting in a deterioration of the patient's ability to perceive mechanical stimuli (i.e., force and vibration), as well as proprioceptive feedback relating to joint position and motion, consequently affecting ankle stability [8,9]. A comprehensive motor control process involves the reception of external stimuli by receptors, the generation of control signals by the brain, and the stimulation of muscle contraction by motor neurons situated in the spinal cord [10,11]. A reduction in perceptual function among CAI patients inevitably disrupts signal transmission, resulting in aberrant muscle activation, subsequently leading to abnormal motor behavior [12].…”