Measurement of the Extreme Ankle Range of Motion Required by Female Ballet Dancers

Abstract

Female ballet dancers require extreme ankle motion, especially plantar flexion, but research about measuring such motion is lacking. The purposes of this study were to determine in a sample of ballet dancers whether non-weight-bearing ankle range of motion is significantly different from the weight-bearing equivalent and whether inclinometric plantar flexion measurement is a suitable substitute for standard plantar flexion goniometry. Fifteen female ballet dancers (5 university, 5 vocational, and 5 professional dancers; age 21 ± 3.0 years) volunteered. Subjects received 5 assessments on 1 ankle: non-weight-bearing goniometry dorsiflexion (NDF) and plantar flexion (NPF), weight-bearing goniometry in the ballet positions demi-plié (WDF) and en pointe (WPF), and non-weight-bearing plantar flexion inclinometry (IPF). Mean NDF was significantly lower than WDF (17° ± 1.3° vs 30° ± 1.8°, P < .001). NPF (77° ± 2.5°) was significantly lower than both WPF (83° ± 2.2°, P = .01) and IPF (89° ± 1.6°, P < .001), and WPF was significantly lower than IPF (P = .013). Dorsiflexion tended to decrease and plantar flexion tended to increase with increasing ballet proficiency. The authors conclude that assessment of extreme ankle motion in female ballet dancers is challenging, and goniometry and inclinometry appear to measure plantar flexion differently.

The effect of pointe shoe deterioration on foot and ankle kinematics and kinetics in professional ballet dancers

“…Greater mid-foot flexion in the worn pointe shoe appears to result from the metatarsals curling underneath the foot whilst en pointe (Russell, 2015), which may cause excessive stretching of the ligaments, which connect the metatarsal bones. This was accompanied by high levels of plantarflexion, comparable to those previously reported (173 degrees, Russell et al, 2010b). In this position, the anterior talofibular ligament acts as the primary stabilizer of the lateral ankle, which places it at risk of injury due to high tensile forces and unfavorable strain length (Cawley & France, 1991;Bahr, Pena, Shine, Lew, & Engebretsen, 1998).…”

Assessment of female ballet dancers’ ankles in the en pointe position using high field strength magnetic resonance imaging

“…Ballet dancing en pointe requires absolutely maximum plantar flexion in order to attain the position required to maintain the esthetics of the art form (1). This position is sufficiently severe and prone to injury that guidelines are in place to assist dancers, dance teachers, parents, and healthcare professionals with the process of properly introducing girls to this form of dance (2,3).…”

Anthropometric and Range of Motion Evaluation of the Lower Limbs’ Joints as Factors for Symmetry Assessment at High Level Handball Players Prior to Their Return to Play After An Injury in Lower Limbs.

“…The assessment of the plantar flexion of the ankle joint showed that in 13 cases of injured limbs (86.7%) we had values below the normal range and in 12 cases (80%) of uninjured limbs, we also had values below the normal range. The full range of motion in plantar flexion ranges from 45° -50°, although in professional ballet dancers values above the full and normal range of motion have been observed (Russell, Kruse, Nevill, Koutedakis & Wyon, 2010). This is due to the continuous effort made by professional ballet dancers to improve the range of plantar flexion in order to meet the requirements of their activity (Hamilton, Hamilton, Marshall & Molnar, 1992).…”