Integrative flexibility training to improve joint mobility and range of movement in jazz dancing girls

Abstract

Flexibility is one of the physical capacities associated with improved performance in jazz dancers girls. However, jazz training being a complex physical activity is not only based on flexibility training, it also focuses on the development of motor skills, technique, posture, and rhythm. Therefore, it is important to demonstrate whether a passive stretching training, with minimum frequency, generates favorable results on flexibility. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of flexibility training on active and passive range of motion (ROM), as well as joint mobility in girls jazz dancers by chronological caracterizar la muestra age group. 30 jazz dancers with an average age of 8.5 ± 1.6 years with no more than four years practicing professional sports practice, enrolled in an integrative flexibility training program developed once a week for 12 weeks, and were assessed for active and passive hip joint mobility through goniometry in conjunction with six flexibility tests. There was an increase in all flexibility variables with a moderate size-effect, except for the joint ROM in active and passive left abduction and active right flexion, which had a high effect. In conclusion, training focused on static exercises can be considered an effective strategy to develop ROM, because it's possible to increase flexibility and stretch in lower extremities with a frequency of once a week in jazz dancing girls.