Isolated Joint Block Progression Training Improves Leaping Performance in Dancers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a 12-week ankle-specific block progression training program on saut de chat leaping performance [leap height, peak power (PP), joint kinetics and kinematics], maximal voluntary isometric plantar flexion (MVIP) strength, and Achilles tendon (AT) stiffness. Dancers (training group n = 7, control group n = 7) performed MVIP at plantarflexed (10◦) and neutral ankle positions (0◦) followed by ramping isometric contractions equipped with ultrasound to assess strength and AT stiffness, respectively. Dancers also performed saut de chat leaps surrounded by 3-D motion capture atop force platforms to determine center of mass and joint kinematics and kinetics. The training group then followed a 12-week ankle-focused program including isometric, dynamic constant external resistance, accentuated eccentric loading, and plyometric training modalities, while the control group continued dancing normally. We found that the training group's saut de chat ankle PP (59.8%), braking ankle stiffness (69.6%), center of mass PP (11.4%), and leap height (12.1%) significantly increased following training. We further found that the training group's MVIP significantly increased at 10◦ (17.0%) and 0◦ (12.2%) along with AT stiffness (29.6%), while aesthetic leaping measures were unchanged (peak split angle, mean trunk angle, trunk angle range). Ankle-specific block progression training appears to benefit saut de chat leaping performance, PP output, ankle-joint kinetics, maximal strength, and AT stiffness, while not affecting kinematic aesthetic measures. We speculate that the combined training blocks elicited physiological changes and enhanced neuromuscular synchronization for increased saut de chat leaping performance in this cohort of dancers.

Collegiate Dancers With Chronic Ankle Instability Possess Altered Strength and saut de chat Leap Landing Mechanics

“…Dancers rely considerably on the ankle-joint complex for both saut de chat take-off propulsion and landing absorption. 12,23 Previous researchers have observed a propensity to shift load absorption proximally away from the ankle-joint in individuals with CAI. 24 One way this is achieved is by landing with greater dorsiflexion to employ a more “tightly packed” ankle.…”

“…8,9 Strength in dancers has shown to both enhance performance and mitigate injury. [10][11][12] Huang et al 11 found that dancers who engaged in additional resistance exercise outside of dance training were 61% less likely to sustain an injury. Upon sustaining an ankle injury, and for that matter a repeated injury, it may be that the surrounding musculature is or becomes weaker.…”

Effect of Supplementary Physical Training on Vertical Jump Height in Professional Ballet Dancers

“…Blanco and colleagues found large to very large associations between grand jeté leap height and CMJ and drop jump in ballet dancers with different skill levels, suggesting a relationship between ballet specific and non-specific jumps in this population 24 25 to improve ballet specific jumps. Moreover, recent findings suggest that supplementary training can have positive outcomes on ballet specific jumps 26 . As a consequence, performance in specific dance jumps that are vertically orientated and with an external rotation of the lower limbs, such as sauté, may be enhanced through training programs based on improving CMJ or SJ.…”