[Peak torque and proprioception at the ankle of dancers in professional training]

The ankle is a frequent site of injury for dancers. The aim of the controlled study was to examine the proprioceptive and sensorimotor control of the ankle in a group of dancers in professional training and to compare it with persons unused to physical training. The purpose was to investigate whether dance training influences the torque ratio of plantar flexion to dorsiflexion (PF/DF) and the proprioceptive performance compared to controls. 42 dancers (31 f, 11 m) in professional training and 40 sex- and age-matched controls performed a isokinetic peak torque test, a passive angle-reproduction test (Biodex System 3), and a single-limb-standing test. The female dancers showed a significantly higher peak torque ratio PF/DF at 30 degrees/s. The difference between male dancers and the controls did not reach a significant level. The dancers did not demonstrate lower absolute errors in passive angle-reproduction (5 degrees and 25 degrees PF) than controls. In the single-limb-standing test, the dancers achieved significantly better results than controls. Dancers could profit from special training of the dorsiflexors. In view of the balance deficits, coordinative exercises should be integrated into school and recreational sports more frequently.