Developing the Temporal and Order Characteristics of a Dance-Specific Star Excursion Balance Test (dsSEBT)

Previous studies have made crucial steps toward developing a dance-specific balance test to challenge dancer's balance capabilities wherein positional characteristics, timing, as well as reach order were altered. However, the authentic performance nature of the protocols could be questioned.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of different tempo and order variations on the previously developed Dance-Specific Star Excursion Balance Test (dsSEBT).

Twenty- two female dancers voluntarily took part in the research (162.68 ± 6.57 cm; 61.35 ± 11.25 kg). This research looked at 3 different temporal variations as well as an alternate reach order, to the traditional order, to examine the effect it may have on individual spoke scores. Reach distances (% of limb length), center of pressure (cm²), and error scores were measured.

Overall, the varying tempos did not create a significant change in any of the variables measured (P = .067-1.00) which suggests that dancers have a unique ability to adapt to temporal changes due to the nature of ever-changing tempos in class and performance. Additionally, the new reach order did not affect the difficulty level of each individual spoke, which agrees with previous research suggesting that the crossed side and crossed front spokes are in fact the most challenging spokes for ballet and contemporary dancers to accomplish.

Results support the utilization of all 8 spokes of the dsSEBT in identifying balance deficits in this genre of dancers. The data collected in this study provides useful baseline measurements to further develop a reliable dance-specific dynamic balance test protocol to be used by ballet and contemporary dancers.