Application and examination of the efficiency of a core stability training program among dancers

IntroductionOne of the most common complaints in Hungary is low back pain, which typically occurs in adulthood, but affects professional dancers as early as during their dance studies. In most cases this is caused by the degenerative deformities of intervertebral discs, decreasing of the intervertebral gap, and dislocations in smaller joints. These issues could also mean the end of a dancer's career.MethodsA total of 62 dancers participated in the study, 30 ballet dancers (average age: 12.7 ± 2.2 (9-18) years) and 32 hip-hop dancers (average age:13.7 ± 2.9 years). The intensity of low back pain occurring during training was examined with the help of visual analogue scale, the dancers' habitual posture was observed with postural analysis grid chart examination, the static strength of core muscles was examined with the core test, and the lumbar motor control ability was assessed with the leg lowering test. Examinations were carried out prior to the 3-month core prevention training programme, and were repeated following the completion of the programme.ResultsThe results indicated a significant improvement concerning the intensity of low back pain in case both of ballet dancers (p = 0.004), and hip-hop dancers (p = 0.002). Regarding habitual posture, the posture of both groups of dancers improved by a high percentage (ballet 52,17%, hip-hop 37,5%). The static strength of core muscles also showed significant improvement both in the case of the ballet dancer (p < 0,001), and also the hip-hop dancer group (p = 0,015). Significant improvement was also experienced in the lumbar motor control ability of the dancers (ballet p = <0,001, hip-hop p < 0,001).ConclusionAs a result of the exercise programme, improvements were experienced for each of the examined parameters in the case of the representatives of both dance styles. The application of the core prevention exercise program and its integration into training programmes is necessary, as it can help mitigate against the mentioned complaints and the likelihood of injuries can be reduced.