Hallux valgus in preprofessional adolescent dancesport athletes: Prevalence and associated training factors

Epidemiology of ankle sprain and chronic ankle instability in elite adolescent dancesport athletes

BACKGROUND

Dancesport is performed in high-heeled shoes. Dancesport athletes may have a higher prevalence and incidence of ankle sprains, which can affect their performance. However, the occurrence of ankle sprains among dancesport athletes remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and incidence of ankle sprains among elite dancesport athletes and to investigate the related information.

METHOD

We conducted a mixed descriptive epidemiological study (cross-sectional and longitudinal) involving 198 elite adolescent dancesport athletes, using past medical records and questionnaires administered to the participants. Data on the occurrence of ankle sprains among all participants were compiled using medical records and information on injury mechanisms, missed days, severity types, and countermeasures for ankle sprains were collected. The prevalence of chronic ankle instability (CAI) among the participants was assessed using a questionnaire. Following the initial survey, we conducted a one-year follow-up study to investigate the incidence of ankle sprains, incidence rate per 1000 exposure hours, and recurrence of ankle sprains.

RESULT

The cross-sectional study and longitudinal study included 198 participants and 92 elite dancesport athletes, respectively. The prevalence of ankle sprains and CAI was 49.5% and 45.1%, respectively. Of all ankle sprains, 88% were medial injuries. The most common injury mechanisms were turning (46.9%) and jumping (46.9%). The average number of missed days due to ankle sprains was 11.2 days. Most injuries were managed with rest, and only one male athlete underwent surgery due to an ankle sprain sustained during dancing. During the one-year follow-up, the incidence of ankle sprains, incidence rate per 1000 exposure hours, and recurrence rate of ankle sprains were 46.6% (male, 41.2%; female, 48.8%), 0.65 ankle sprains/1000 h, and 35.3%, respectively. No sex-related differences were observed.

CONCLUSION

It is crucial to focus on the occurrence of ankle sprains and CAI in dancesport athletes with high heels. Future research should clarify the impact of ankle sprains on dancesport performance and develop preventive measures to reduce the incidence and recurrence of these associated injuries.

Effects of 4 weeks of foot exercise on subjective outcome and foot plantar pressure in elite adolescent dancers with hallux valgus: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Dancers have a higher prevalence of hallux valgus (HV) than the general population. However, no reports specifically addressing treatment strategies for HV in dancers, or their effectiveness have been published. This study aimed to determine the effects of 4 weeks of foot exercises on subjective clinical outcomes, the HV angle, and change of foot plantar pressure during specific dance techniques.

METHODS

Thirteen female elite adolescent dancesport athletes (age: 16.4 ± 3.3 years) completed the program. The HV angle was measured based on foot photographs. Clinical assessments were performed using the visual analog scale for first metatarsophalangeal (1st MTP) joint pain, and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score. The changes in plantar pressure during two dance techniques (demi-pointe and plié) were measured. The plantar pressure was measured in six areas of the foot. All of these parameters were compared before and after the intervention by using chi-square tests and Student's paired t-test (statistical significance: p < 0.05).

RESULTS

The HV angle was significantly reduced from 20.1° to 15.4° after the intervention. Participants reported an average subjective completion rate of 70.3% ± 14.6% over 3 weeks, exhibiting no significant differences despite an apparent trend toward improvement. Significant changes were noted in 1st MTP joint pain and subjective outcomes, and toe function significantly improved in the "paper" movement. The foot-exercise program changed plantar pressure distribution during the demi-pointe and plié techniques, with increased hallux pressure and decreased 2nd-5th MTP joint pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

In elite adolescent dancesport athletes, 4 weeks of foot-exercise rehabilitation reduced the HV angle and improved in subjective outcome and function during the two dance techniques. Coaches should consider utilizing foot-exercise training programs in a dancer training program for HV.