Characteristic and frequency of musculoskeletal injuries and stabilometric analysis in dancers

Abstract

Introduction: Classical ballet requires high postural control, which may overload musculoskeletal structures and cause injuries. Objective: To identify frequency and characteristics of musculoskeletal injuries in professional and non-professional dancers and to analyze postural sway in specific positions. Methods: A total of 110 injury questionnaires were applied. Fourteen professional dancers and 14 non-dancers were evaluated in unipodal positions with and without visual restriction. Results: Ankle sprains were the most common injury (71.7% in professionals, 52.3% in non-professionals). Pirouettes were the most frequent injury mechanism in professionals; repetitive motion in non-professionals. Dancers showed greater postural sway, especially in the unipodal position with closed eyes, with higher displacement and ellipse area. The passé position increased sway velocity. Conclusion: Professional dancers show greater visual dependency for balance and a higher incidence of ankle sprains. These findings support the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.