Effect of Integrated Training on Balance and Ankle Position Sense in Ballet Dancers

Abstract

Background: Ballet dancers are at high risk of ankle sprain. As a result, effective training programs are required for ballet dancers to minimize injury occurrence and improve their balance ability. Our purpose was to investigate the effects of a 6-week integrated training program on the ankle joint position sense and postural stability in ballet dancers.Methods: Twenty-nine female ballet dancers were recruited to the study. Sixteen of the dancers underwent a 6-week integrated training program consisting of plyometric, proprioception and core stability exercises. The remaining ballet dancers performed no additional training, but continued regular ballet practice as usual. For both groups, ankle joint position sensing tests were performed before and after training. Furthermore, for the training group, the postural stability was assessed by measuring the average speed of the center of pressure (COP) and the maximum ankle joint displacements while performing grand plie (deep squatting) and releve en demi-pointe (standing on balls of foot) movements.Results: After 6 weeks, both groups showed significantly smaller absolute ankle joint reposition errors in plantarflexion and eversion. Furthermore, the training group showed a significantly smaller ankle joint reposition error in dorsiflexion. The training group also showed a significantly slower average COP speed and smaller maximum COP displacement in the medial-lateral direction.Conclusions: The 6-week integrated training program improved the ankle joint position sense in dorsiflexion and the postural control in the medial-lateral direction while performing grand-plie and releve en demi-pointe movements. Thus, this integrated training program can be suggested for dancers in order to improve ankle position sense and postural stability during ballet movements.