Calf Endurance and Achilles Tendon Structure in Classical Ballet Dancers

J Dance Med Sci. 2017 Jun 15;21(2):64-69. doi: 10.12678/1089-313X.21.2.64.

Abstract

Optimal lower leg function is critical for ballet dancers to meet their occupational requirements. Achilles tendon injury is particularly detrimental to ballet dancers. While standardized measures have been validated and incorporated into clinical practice for use in people with Achilles tendon injury, normative ranges specific to the dancer population have not been described. The purpose of this pilot study was to observe the performance of pre-professional ballet students and professional ballet dancers on a well-established test battery for lower leg functional performance as well as ultra-sonographic evaluation of the structure of their Achilles tendons. The dancers in this study had significantly shorter Achilles tendons than non-dancers (p = 0.016). Dancers demonstrated significantly higher maximum heel-rise height on the heel-rise test for calf endurance (p < 0.001) but performed significantly less work than non-dancers (p = 0.014). The results of this study support the use of the heel-rise test as a tool for screening and to guide rehabilitation.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Achilles Tendon / anatomy & histology*
  • Achilles Tendon / diagnostic imaging
  • Achilles Tendon / injuries
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / epidemiology
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / etiology
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / physiopathology
  • Dancing / injuries*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leg Injuries / etiology
  • Leg Injuries / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Muscle, Skeletal / injuries
  • Physical Endurance / physiology*
  • Physical Examination / methods
  • Pilot Projects
  • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology
  • Reference Values
  • Risk Assessment
  • Tendon Injuries / epidemiology
  • Tendon Injuries / etiology*
  • Tendon Injuries / physiopathology
  • Tensile Strength / physiology
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler / methods
  • Young Adult