Core Stability: Implications for Dance Injuries

Abstract

Dancers experience a high incidence of injury due to the extreme physical demands of dancing. The majority of dance injuries are chronic in nature and occur in the lower extremities and low back. Researchers have indicated decreased core stability (CS) as a risk factor for these injuries. Although decreased CS is suggested to negatively affect lower extremity joint motion and lumbar control during activity, this relationship has not been extensively discussed in previous dance literature. Understanding the relationship between CS and injury risk is important to help reduce dance injury incidence and improve performance. The purposes of this review were to discuss 1) the core and components of CS, 2) the relationship between CS and injury, 3) CS assessment techniques, and 4) future dance CS research areas. CS is the integration of passive (non-contractile), active (contractile), and neural structures to minimize the effects of external forces and maintain stability. CS is maintained by a combination of muscle power, strength, endurance, and sensory-motor control of the lumbopelvic-hip complex. CS assessments include measuring muscle strength and power using maximal voluntary isometric and isokinetic contractions and measuring endurance using the Biering-Sorensen, plank, and lateral plank tests. Measuring sensory-motor control requires specialized equipment (e.g., balance platforms). Overall, limited research has comprehensively examined all components of CS together and their relationships to injury. Rather, previous researchers have separately examined core power, strength, endurance, or sensory-motor control. Future researchers should explore the multifactorial role of CS in reducing injury risk and enhancing performance in dancers.

Assessment of spine pain presence in children and young persons studying in ballet schools

“…Previously conducted studies indicate that ballet, as a form of physical activity, causes low back pain 9 ) . Poor core stability is, perhaps, a predisposing factor for injuries to the lower limbs and lumbar spine in dancers, due to poor stabilization of the lumbo-pelvic complex 17 ) . Studies show that segmental muscle stabilization training as part of a core stability program decreased low back pain 18 ) .…”

Injuries in Contemporary Dance

“…In the jumping practice of modern dance, if the rotation speed is too fast, the higher the speed at which the ankle is in contact with the ground, the higher the reaction force on the ankle, and the more likely it is to be injured (Christina et al, 2001). Moreover, if the dancer does not tighten the body or force incorrectly when jumping, it will be more likely to cause sports injuries (Rickman, 2012). For example, when we are practicing modern dance, we must accurately find the point of exertion and relaxation of remaining body parts, but this does not mean that the body is lax.…”

“…Therefore, practicing core strength also plays a crucial role in preventing dance injuries. Because the core strength plays a role in the connection between the upper body and the lower body, the stability of the dancers can be effectively improved by training the core area strength (Rickman, 2012). For example, the practice of adding "center of gravity" in modern dance teaching, that is, the conversion of two legs during the process of travel, constantly changing the main leg and the power leg, or adding some rotation jumps, which not only requires the body's control ability, but also the dancer's responsiveness and flexibility are required.…”

“…It is inferred that a dancer's full knowledge of the dance has learned and practiced can effectively prevent dance injuries. Because the relationship between core stability (muscle strength, endurance, strength) and dance will significantly reduce the occurrence of sports injuries and also improve the performance of dance performance (Rickman, 2012), which requires constant practice can be obtained.…”

Determination of the relationship between core endurance and isokinetic muscle strength of elite athletes

“…These studies showed that the scapula, shoulder muscles and lower extremity muscles must work coherently with the core muscles for controlled movements ( Hodges and Richardson, 1997a ; Hodges and Richardson, 1997b ). There are numerous studies conducted on the role of core stability to prevent especially back pains of athletes and injuries of lower extremities ( Abdelraouf and Abdel-Aziem, 2016 ; Hodges et al, 1997 ; Hölmich et al, 2010 ; Hübscher et al, 2010 ; Hungerford et al, 2003 ; Rickman et al, 2012 ). It has been shown in the literature that lower extremity injuries influence core stability measurements.…”