Does Function Determine the Structure? Changes in Flexor Hallucis Longus Muscle and the Associated Performance...

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Dance Science
• Anatomy

Background:

• Flexor hallucis longus pathology is prevalent in dancers due to extreme ankle movements.
• High demand on the flexor hallucis longus muscle in dance.
• Understanding muscle differences in dancers is crucial for injury prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare flexor hallucis longus muscle thickness and cross-sectional area in dancers.
• To identify differences between classical and contemporary dance modalities.
• To correlate ultrasonographic parameters and performance with dance style.

Main Methods:

• Ultrasound imaging assessed flexor hallucis longus muscle in 50 pre-professional female dancers.
• Evaluated range of motion, balance, endurance, and vertical jump performance.
• Compared bilateral differences and dance modality variations.

Main Results:

• No significant bilateral differences in flexor hallucis longus muscle parameters or performance.
• Contemporary dancers exhibited larger flexor hallucis longus muscle size.
• Classical dancers demonstrated superior balance, endurance, range of motion, and jump performance.

Conclusions:

• Bilateral symmetry observed in flexor hallucis longus muscle and performance variables.
• Dance modality influences flexor hallucis longus muscle size and dancer performance.
• Specific training demands of dance styles shape muscle characteristics.