Intrinsic modifiable risk factors in ballet dancers: Applying evidence based practice principles to enhance clinical applications

Abstract

Introduction: The risk of musculoskeletal injury is multifactorial (Bahr 2005). Injury risk is a composite of intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors that can be modifiable or non-modifiable. Ballet dancers have unique risk factors, due to the nature of their art and sport. The purpose of this literature review is to identify intrinsic modifiable risk factors for injury in ballet dancers. The secondary purpose is to investigate potential screening tools which can be used to identify these risk factors.

Methods: The authors performed a review of the literature in October 2017 within the databases of MEDLINE Complete, SPORTDiscus, and PubMed Central following a list of inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results: A review of the available literature identified seven intrinsic modifiable factors specifically for ballet dancers and seven appropriate screening tools.

Discussion: The literature identified the most common intrinsic modifiable risk factors associated with ballet dancers to be: hypermobility, fatigue, overuse, neuromuscular dysfunction, degree of turnout, weakness of core and lower extremity musculature, and lower extremity range of motion (ROM) discrepancies.

Conclusion: Sports medicine professionals who manage these performing artists can use this literature review to help develop injury prevention programs and enhance return to sport decision.

Keywords: Ballet dancers; Injury risk; Risk factors; Screening.