Brazilian girls who practice classical ballet develop different motor strategies regarding postural stability

Abstract

Introduction: The growth and development of children is a product of the interaction of biological andenvironmental factors. Dance practice can optimize various aspects of motor control, coordination andbalance in childhood and adolescence.
 Objective: The objective of the present study was to verify how the practice of classical ballet, at a professional level, can influence the plantar pressures and balance of children and adolescents, as well as to verify if subjects’ vision and posture of the upper limbs can interfere in this result.
 Methods: Cross-sectional study performed with 111 girls aged 10 to 15 years who practice classical ballet (n = 56) and non-dancers (n = 55). Anthropometry (BMI), plantar pressures and postural stability (baropodometry platform) were assessed. Three different conditions: eyes open (EO), eyes closed (EC) and arms outstretched (AO) were observed. Data analysis performed by using group comparison and correlation tests.
 Results: Those who practiced classical ballet placed less weight onto the left forefoot, presented lower values of maximum pressure and plantar surface area in all the evaluated conditions and moved less in the stabilometry analysis. It also observed that ballet dancers were more influenced by vision and positioning of the upper limbs than the group of non-dancers. Length of time as a dancer influenced the results found.
 Conclusions: Girls who practice classical ballet have specific characteristics of plantar pressure and develop different postural control strategies when compared to typical girls of similar age, especially in the arms outstretch position.

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