The Effects of Classical Ballet Training on the Lumbar Region

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the extent of the adaptive changes in the lumbar region of young ballet dancers when compared to their sedentary peers. Forty female (age: 15.28 ± 2.02 years) ballet dancers were evaluated for muscle strength, lumbar mobility, muscle tightness, spinal deviation, and depth of lordosis. Measurements were compared with those of 40 healthy female (age 15.35 ± 2.33 years) non-dancers. No difference was found in muscle strength between the two groups ( p < 0.05). Lumbar mobility was higher and the muscle tightness in the hamstring muscles was lower in the dance subjects. The difference was statistically significant ( p < 0.05). Deviation and depth of lumbar lordosis was found to be significantly lower in the dance subjects ( p < 0.05). It can be concluded that training in classical ballet has various effects on the musculoskeletal structures of the lumbar region and these effects should be taken into consideration for the prevention of overuse injuries.