External Load of Flamenco Zap-3 Footwork Test: Use of PlayerLoad Concept with Triaxial Accelerometry

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Science
• Dance Medicine

Background:

• Flamenco dance, particularly the Zapateado-3 (Zap-3) footwork, involves intense physical activity.
• This intense activity may lead to pain and injury due to the high external loads experienced by dancers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the external load of Zap-3 footwork using triaxial accelerometry and PlayerLoad (PL).
• To compare external loads at the dominant ankle (DA), fifth lumbar vertebra (L5), and seventh cervical vertebra (C7).
• To investigate the influence of speed, position, axis, and dancer proficiency on external load.

Main Methods:

• Twelve flamenco dancers (professional and amateur) performed a 15-second Zap-3 routine at varying speeds.
• Triaxial accelerometry sensors were placed on the DA, L5, and C7 to measure PlayerLoad (PLTOTAL, PLUNI, PL%).

Main Results:

• Significant effects of speed and position on PLTOTAL and PLUNI were observed (p < 0.001).
• External loads were significantly higher at the DA compared to L5 and C7 (p < 0.001).
• Medial-lateral direction showed a larger PlayerLoad percentage contribution than anterior-posterior and vertical axes (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Zap-3 footwork generates substantial external load, influenced by speed, position, axis, and dancer proficiency.
• The dominant ankle bears the highest external load, but significant vibrations are transmitted to the lumbar and cervical vertebrae.