Association of Proximal and Distal Factors With Lower Limb Kinematics During a Classical Ballet Jump

Abstract

Context: Excessive dynamic lower limb misalignment may predispose ballet dancers to jump-related injuries. However, it is unknown whether proximal and distal factors influence this movement pattern. The aim of this study was to investigate whether hip abduction strength, foot alignment, and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) are associated with peak angles of hip adduction and internal rotation and knee abduction during the preparation and landing phases of a classical ballet jump. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Forty-one healthy amateur ballet dancers were included. Hip abduction strength was evaluated isometrically using a handheld dynamometer, foot alignment was determined by the shank-forefoot alignment, and weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion ROM was measured by performing the lunge test. Peak hip and knee angles were analyzed 3-dimensionally during the preparation and landing phases of a single-leg jump. A Pearson correlation matrix was used to investigate the association of hip abduction strength, shank-forefoot alignment, and ankle dorsiflexion ROM with peak angles of hip adduction and internal rotation and knee abduction during the preparation and landing phases of the jump. Results: Greater hip abduction strength was associated with greater peak hip internal rotation angle (r = .43, P < .05), but not with peak hip adduction and knee abduction angles during the preparation phase of the jump. There were no associations of shank-forefoot alignment and ankle dorsiflexion ROM with peak hip and knee angles during the preparation (r = −.23 to .36, P > .05) and landing (r = −.20 to .24, P > .05) phases of the jump. There was no association of hip abduction strength with peak hip and knee angles during the landing phase of the jump (r = −.28 to .16, P > .05). Conclusion: Hip abductors strengthening, correction of foot misalignments, and increasing ankle dorsiflexion ROM may not prevent excessive hip and knee movements during a classical ballet single-leg jump in amateur dancers.