Oxford Foot Model Kinematics in Landings: A Comparison between Professional Dancers and Non-Dancers

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Dancers frequently perform jump-landing activities, with the foot-ankle complex playing an essential role to attenuate the landing forces. However, scarce research has been conducted in professional dancers multi-segmented foot in landings. The aim of this study was to compare the multi-segmented foot kinematics between professional dancers and non-dancers, during forward and lateral single-leg jump-landings. DESIGN: Descriptive group comparison. METHODS: Marker trajectories and synchronized ground reaction forces of 15 professional dancers and 15 non-dancers were collected using motion capture and a force plate, during multidirectional single-leg jump-landings. Sagittal and frontal hindfoot-tibia, forefoot-hindfoot, and hallux-forefoot kinematics of the multi-segmented foot model were computed at initial contact, peak vertical ground reaction force and peak knee flexion. Repeated measures ANOVAs were conducted (p$<$0.05). RESULTS: Professional dancers landed with higher hindfoot-tibia and forefoot-hindfoot plantarflexion angles at initial contact (p$<$0.001), and hindfoot-tibia dorsiflexion angles at peak vertical ground reaction force and peak knee flexion (p$<$0.001) than non-dancers. Also, dancers exhibited higher sagittal hindfoot-tibia and forefoot-hindfoot excursions than non-dancers (p$<$0.001). No statistically significant differences were found in the frontal plane. CONCLUSIONS: The multi-segmented foot allows a comprehensive kinematic analysis of the different foot joints. In jump-landings, professional dancers higher hindfoot-tibia, and forefoot-hindfoot plantarflexion at initial contact, compared to non-dancers, contributed to a subsequent higher foot joints excursion. This pattern is commonly linked to a better shock absorption mechanism in landings.

Publication
J Sci Med Sport

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