Consecutive Single-Leg Relevés Results in Altered Movement Pattern and Dorsiflexor and Plantarflexor Muscle Fatigue

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Dance Science
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Muscle fatigue is a common issue in dancers, potentially affecting performance and injury risk.
• Understanding the effects of fatigue on lower limb mechanics during dance-specific movements is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of dorsiflexor and plantarflexor muscle fatigue on muscle activation and movement kinematics during single-leg relevés in dancers.

Main Methods:

• 14 dancers performed single-leg relevés pre- and post-fatigue protocol.
• Surface electromyography assessed lower leg muscle activation (lateral gastrocnemius, medial gastrocnemius, soleus, tibialis anterior).
• 3D motion capture technology analyzed kinematic data, including ankle range of motion and heel height.

Main Results:

• Increased soleus and lateral gastrocnemius activation during the descending phase post-fatigue.
• Significant reductions in ankle range of motion and achieved heel height after fatigue.
• Decreased ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion were observed post-fatigue.

Conclusions:

• Ankle plantarflexor fatigue compromises the ability to maintain movement quality in single-leg relevés.
• Increased muscle activation post-fatigue indicates compensatory strategies, potentially elevating injury risk.
• Dancers are advised to limit performance when fatigued to mitigate mechanical compensations and reduce injury potential.