The effect of strength and plyometric training on functional dance performance in elite ballet and modern dancers

Abstract

Background: Ballet and modern dance are both art forms that require technique, artistry, grace and precision. Both dance forms require a degree of strength and muscular endurance for optimal performance. It is not known what value strength or plyometric training may have on functional dance performance. Objective: To systematically review the effects of strength and/or plyometric training on functional dance performance in elite ballet and modern dancers. Methods: A systematic review of literature indexed in the following databases: Medline, CINAHL, Sports-Discus, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) and PubMed was conducted. The quality of the studies was graded using the PEDro Scale. Results: Eight studies satisfied the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. The studies' population age range was 19-27 years. Methodological scores based on the PEDro scale were 4 to 6 out of 10. All of the included studies (100%) scored 4 out of 10 or higher on the PEDro scale. Strength training resulted in significant improvements in jump height (Pv0.05) and enhanced aesthetic, performance measures (Pv0.05). Plyometric training was found to enhance both vertical and subjective jump height (Pv0.05). Strength or plyometric interventions did not impact lower extremity anthropometric measures such as thigh and calf girth. Conclusion: Moderate evidence indicates that supplementary strength training interventions via traditional resistance training or whole-body vibration methods and plyometric training interventions may increase certain dance-performance measures such as jump height and general aesthetic facility without changing certain anthropometric measures in elite ballet and modern dancers.

Isolated Joint Block Progression Training Improves Leaping Performance in Dancers

“…We demonstrated that isometric, DCER, AEL, and plyometric training significantly increased saut de chat leap height without affecting aesthetics (peak split angle, mean trunk angle, and trunk angle range). After strength, plyometric, and power training, previous research indicates that dancers significantly improve subjective dance performance (Brown et al, 2007 ; Girard et al, 2015 ; Dowse et al, 2020 ). In contrast, we elected to quantitatively report leap height, split angle, and trunk control to gauge the effect of our training program on aesthetic competency.…”

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

“…periodization and progressive overload) would also benefit dancers' health and wellbeing 11,12 . Different methods of training such as plyometrics (PT) 2 , whole-body vibration [13][14][15][16] , traditional strength training 2,13 and individualized training based on force-velocity profiling during jumping 17 have reported a positive effect on jumping ability in elite ballet and modern dancers 18,19 . However, most of the studies have been conducted with female participants.…”