Body Physique and Prior Training Experience as Determinants of SEFIP Score for University Dancers

Abstract

The Self-Estimated Functional Inability because of Pain (SEFIP) questionnaire is a simple tool used to define the pain status in different body regions of performers in aesthetic sports. In this study we revalidated the SEFIP in a sample of nonprofessional female university dancers (n = 45; mean age, 22.3 yrs). The dancers were divided into two groups according to their previous experience in dance and aesthetic-based sports: experienced (n = 24) and nonexperienced (n = 21). SEFIP was measured before and after the 6-week dance and aesthetic-based training program. Morphologic variables were measured at study entry and included body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), calf circumference, sum of two skinfolds, and percent body fat. We analyzed 1) the differences between experienced and nonexperienced dancers in all variables, 2) pre- and post-training differences in SEFIP, 3) pre- and post-training differences in pain sensation for each body region, and 4) the prediction of the SEFIP score from morphologic variables in the experienced and nonexperienced subjects. Statistical analysis using the t-test found no significant differences between the groups but identified significant pre- vs. post-training differences in SEFIP in the sample taken as a whole. The nonparametric sign test showed a significant pre- to post-training decrease in pain sensation in the calf region. Multiple regression analysis revealed BMI as a significant predictor of the SEFIP, but only for the nonexperienced dancers. In order to avoid pain occurrence in university dancers, previous training of the calf, thigh, and back muscles is suggested, especially in those subjects with BMI > 21 kg/m2.

Musculoskeletal Injuries and Pain in Dancers a Systematic Review Update

“…Lower calf circumference was a predictor of higher SEFIP score at pre-training for the inexperienced group as well. 17 Liederbach and colleagues did not find any greater risk for ACL injury based on sex, style of dance, race, oral contraceptive use, or other intrinsic physiological variables. The investigators did observe that most ACL injuries occurred late in the day and in the season.…”

“…Two studies focused on ankle injuries, 8,11 one on ACL injuries, 10 one on psychosocial factors as risk for injury, 18 and one on previous experience and body physique as determinants for SEFIP scores. 17 Schmitt and colleagues found no association between ankle proprioception test scores and ankle injury in German dance students. 8 Hiller and co-workers reported that a history of previous lateral ankle sprain was associated with an increased risk of future sprain of the contralateral ankle.…”

“…10,11,15,16,18 Three studies incorporated use of the Self Estimated Functional Inability because of Pain (SEFIP) questionnaire, with one study using it as the sole measure of MSK pain. [15][16][17] One study focusing on ankle sprain defined it as an inversion injury that had resulted in either local swelling or bruising and limping for more than one day. 11 A study of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury defined it as a first-time partial or complete rupture of the ligament, confirmed by clinical and radiologic examination.…”

“…10 Four of the seven prospective studies made use of multivariable analysis to adjust for important covariates in assessing the independent correlation of possible risk factors. 10,11,17,18…”

Musculoskeletal Morphology and Joint Flexibility-Associated Functional Characteristics across Three Time Points during the Menstrual Cycle in Female Contemporary Dancers

“…The scale was shown to participants at 15 s intervals while their arm remained in the cold water to obtain the representative level of discomfort from zero (no pain) to ten (the maximal pain ever felt). The SEFIP (Self-Estimated Functional Inability Because of Pain questionnaire) was designed for dancers [ 34 , 35 ] in injury and pain research utilizing a body map to localise pain, whereby 16 body areas are rated on a 5-point Lickert scale. The short form 20 version of the PASS (Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale) [ 36 , 37 ] assessed four subscales referred to as dimensions in pain research: cognitive anxiety, escape and avoidance, fear, and physiological anxiety.…”