Differences in Balance Ability Between Female Dancers and Active Non-Dancers

Abstract Introduction. Balance is used in almost every movement task; it is a complex process that requires control and is based on the interaction of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. It depends on many external and internal factors, which include genetics, age, center of gravity, support area, emotional state, concentration, strength, coordination skills, flexibility, and visual control, as well as the frequency of participation in motor activities and training status. The study aimed to compare the balance of female dancers and non-dancers using the MyoPressure-T Noraxon FDM-T AC 5000m baroresistive treadmill. Material and Methods. The study involved a total of 128 women aged 20-26 in two groups: dancing and non-dancing. Based on the tests performed, the center of gravity deflection, the length of the COP (center of pressure) path, and the reaction of ground forces in both groups were analyzed. Additionally, an analysis of lower limb loads during walking and running was performed using the parameter Force max. [N] – maximum pressure force. The hypotheses of normal distribution were rejected using the Shapiro-Wilk test for all variables. The hypotheses of equal variance for all variables were rejected using the F test. The nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test was used to assess the significance of differences and the effect size between the study groups. Results. The results of the dancers (95% confidence ellipse area) were better than those of the control group. This is visible in both the Romberg test with open and closed eyes. In the case of COP average velocity, there are no differences with open eyes, but statistically significant differences appeared in the test with closed eyes. The analysis of Maximum Force, N, during walking did not show statistically significant differences between the groups. They appeared only while running in favor of the dancers. Conclusions. The study results confirm the hypothesis that women who dance have better static balance than women who do not participate in dance classes. The study provides new evidence regarding balance in dancers and non-dancers.