Three-Dimensional Analysis of a Ballet Dancer with Ischial Tuberosity Apophysitis. A Case Study
Hanna Pohjola1,2,, Mark Sayers3, Rebecca Mellifont3, Daniel Mellifont3, Mika Venojärvi1
Author Information
1 University of Eastern Finland, Finland
2 Theatre Academy, Finland
3 University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia
Hanna Pohjola ✉ University of Eastern Finland, Institute of Dentistry, Kuopio campus, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland Email: hanna.pohjola@uef.fi
Publish Date
Received: 25-06-2014 Accepted: 25-08-2014 Published (online): 01-12-2014
Hanna Pohjola, Mark Sayers, Rebecca Mellifont, Daniel Mellifont, Mika Venojärvi. (2014) Three-Dimensional Analysis of a Ballet Dancer with Ischial Tuberosity Apophysitis. A Case Study. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine(13), 874 - 880.
Hanna Pohjola, Mark Sayers, Rebecca Mellifont, Daniel Mellifont, Mika Venojärvi. (2014) Three-Dimensional Analysis of a Ballet Dancer with Ischial Tuberosity Apophysitis. A Case Study. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine(13), 874 - 880.
The purpose of this case study was to describe the three-dimensional biomechanics of common ballet exercises in a ballet dancer with ischial tuberosity apophysitis. This was achieved by comparing kinematics between the symptomatic (i.e. ischial apophyseal symptoms) and contralateral lower limbs, as well as via reported pain. Results suggest consistent differences in movement patterns in this dancer. These differences included: 1) decreased external rotation of contralateral hip, hence a decreased hip contribution to ‘turn out’; 2) increased contralateral knee adduction and internal rotation; 3) an apparent synchronicity in the contralateral lower limb of the decreased hip external rotation and increased knee adduction; and 4) minimal use of ankle plantar/dorsiflexion movement for symptomatic side. Pain related to the left ischial apophysitis was associated with reduced amplitudes especially in fast ballet movements that required large range of motion in flexion and adduction in the left hip joint. These findings suggest that ischial apophysitis may limit dancer’s ballet technique and performance.
Key words:
Sports injuries, dance, case study, biomechanics
Key
Points
The pain related to the left ischial apophysitis was associated with reduced amplitudes especially in fast ballet movements that require large range of motion. This may affect to the lower limbs kinematics, and limit dancer’s technique and performance.
Compensatory strategies in the kinetic chain, differences in the joint angles between the lower limbs, traction forces, velocity and amplitude demands should be taken in consideration while training and rehabilitation of the ischial apophyseal injury within classical ballet.
It is forbidden the total or partial reproduction of this web site
and the published materials, the treatment of its database, any kind
of transition and for any means, either electronic, mechanic or other
methods, without the previous written permission of the JSSM.