Correlation between degree of hallux valgus and kinematics in classical ballet: A pilot study

Abstract

Hallux valgus is a serious medical concern for classical ballet dancers. Although it is wellknown that progression of hallux valgus is related to inappropriate movement techniques in classical ballet, the kinematic relationship between the degree of hallux valgus and ballet techniques has not been substantiated. To develop proper training methods that prevent progression of hallux valgus, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between the degree of hallux valgus and movement techniques in classical ballet. Seventeen female classical ballet dancers at the advanced college-level participated in this study. Kinematic analysis of standing and plié in the first position was conducted via video capture technique. The Pearson product-moment correlation analysis was performed to examine the degree of hallux valgus and the following three kinematic variables: (1) the extent to which turnout is forced by other joints in the lower extremity than the hip joint, (2) the direction difference between the knee and toe in the transverse plane, and (3) the pelvis obliquity angle. Among these kinematic variables, we found a significant correlation between the hallux valgus angle and the pelvis obliquity angle during plié (P = .045). The greater the hallux valgus angle, the greater the retroversion of the pelvis, a result which was contrary to our prediction. We present the first evidence that the degree of hallux valgus correlates with kinematics in a very basic technique of classical ballet.

Comparison of the effects of foot-toe orthoses on three-dimensional pelvic kinematics in individuals with hallux valgus during gait

“…[26][27][28] A study of the effect of HV on pelvic stability revealed a significant correlation between increased HV angle and lumbar hyperlordosis. 13 Seki et al 14 found that the more severe the HV, the higher the pelvic 15 As a follow-up to a previous study that examined the effect of HV on lumbopelvic stability and the correlation between HV and the incidence of low back pain, this study objectively verified changes in the 3D kinematics of the pelvic segment through the use of a foot-toe orthosis during gait. In this study, most of the kinematic variables were not affected by the use of foot-toe orthoses, except for some pelvic motions in the frontal and transverse planes.…”

“…26-28 A study of the effect of HV on pelvic stability revealed a significant correlation between increased HV angle and lumbar hyperlordosis. 13 Seki et al 14 found that the more severe the HV, the higher the pelvic obliquity angle during dynamic basic ballet techniques in 17 female classical ballet dancers. In health-related quality of life questionnaires, 469 (48.2%) of 974 patients with HV older than 50 years reported experiencing low back pain, which was significantly different from the control group.…”

Relationship between Hallux Valgus Severity and 3D Ground Reaction Force in Individuals with Hallux Valgus Deformity during Gait

“…The sample size was calculated based on an estimated effect size derived from Seki et al [13], who examined the relationship between the degree of the HV deformity and the kinematics. A sample size of 17 was determined to be sufficient to identify a significant correlation.…”

What do we know about hallux valgus pathogenesis?

“…Seki et al (12) conducted investigations to develop appropriate training methods to prevent the progression of HV. A study with female classical ballet dancers at the advanced college-level concluded that the degree of HV is correlated with basic techniques of classical ballet such as the first position.…”