Ankle Joint Utilization Differences Between Dancers and Non-Dancers During Jumping Movement

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common in sports, but dancers experience lower rates of ACL injuries compared to athletes in other team sports. While researchers have explored potential reasons for this occurrence, there has been limited research comparing bipedal jumping mechanics between dancers and other physically fit individuals. PURPOSE: To determine the kinematic and kinetic differences between dancers and non-dancers during sauté jumps and squat jumps. METHODS: Nineteen participants were involved in this study, with 10 dancers and 9 non-dancers, all of whom were equipped with reflective markers. A three-dimensional motion analysis was conducted using a 12-camera motion capture system (Motion Analysis) and two force plates (Kistler). Participants performed 10 consecutive sauté jumps and 5 single maximum squat jumps while barefoot. Data was processed and analyzed using Cortex software, with further analysis conducted in Visual 3D (C-Motion, Inc.) to quantify ground reaction forces and sagittal plane joint kinematics and net joint moments at the hip, knee, and ankle. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups during the squat jump. However, in the sauté jump, dancers demonstrated greater joint excursion in the sagittal plane at the ankle (p = 0.042). Dancers also exhibited a significantly greater ankle moment compared to the non-dancers (p = 0.02). Additionally, dancers generated a greater vertical ground reaction force during the sauté compared to non-dancers (p= 0.07). CONCLUSION: Dancers generate more power when performing movements, they are familiar with, such as the sauté jumps. Joint excursions indicate that dancers achieve a greater range of motion throughout the jump, particularly in the ankle joint. This increased ankle range of motion could lead to improved landing strategies. Individuals with greater joint mobility may reduce the risk of knee injury by increasing joint flexion during landing.