Postural adjustments in young ballet dancers compared to age matched controls

• The posture of the dancers changes between four and nine years of ballet practice.
• Pelvic tilt is reduced in the group of dancers compared to a control group.
• Lumbar lordosis is reduced in the group of dancers compared to a control group.

ObjectivesThe purpose of the study was to use photogrammetry to evaluate the posture of ballet practitioners compared to an age-matched control group.DesignOne hundred and eleven 7- to 24-year-old female volunteers were evaluated and were divided into two groups: the ballet practising group (n = 52) and the control group (n = 59), divided into three subgroups according to age and years of ballet experience.ResultsDancers with 1–3 years experience compared to controls of the same age shows alterations in External Rotation Angle (P < 0.05). Dancers 4–9 years experience show alterations in Lumbar Lordosis, Pelvis Tilt Angle and Navicular Angle Right and Left (P < 0.05). Dancers with over 9 years experience show alterations in External Rotation and Navicular Angle Left (P < 0.05).ConclusionsResearch shows there are differences between dancers and controls. In the groups 1–3 years and over 9 years of experience, the External Rotation Angle is greater. In the group 4–9 years of experience the Lumbar Lordosis Angle is greater and Pelvis Tilt, Navicular Angle Left and Right are smaller. In more than 9 years of ballet experience, the Navicular Angle Left is smaller.