Здравље и повреде професионалних балетних плесача

Sažetak

Ballet is a professional activity that places risky physical and psycho-emotional demands on the human body. The research aims to study the health characteristics of the ballet dancers.

In frames of the qualitative method, 10 in-depth interviews were conducted with ballet artists of the State Ballet of Georgia.

Participants’ mean age were 23.4±3.5, the average BMI - 21.2±2.2. Dancers had spent 20.2±7.4 years studying dancing professionally. On average they spent 8.5±5.8 hours in class and 16.2±11.6 hours in rehearsal. Most injuries were related to ankle/feet (16%), knee (60%) and neck (13%). The most risk factors for incurring pain and injury included overuse (19%), previous injury (11%), and fatigue (11%). Of the injured dancers, 80% chose to seek medical attention. Mostly they visit traumatologists (40%) and physiotherapists (30%). 

The biopsychosocial condition of ballet artists is affected by physical workload, high risk of injuries, as well as constant stress. The result suggests high prevalence and recurrence of dance injuries. Ankle/feet, knee and neck are especially risky topological areas for injuries as particularly big pressure comes on feet and ankle joints. This may reflect dance’s repetitive movements that may stress foot and ankle. A significant proportion of injured dancers sought treatment from medical professionals. The most recommended intervention is the prevention of injuries and stress through education. A team of professionals (family physician, orthopedist, psychologist, nutritionist, endocrinologist, physical therapist, nurse) is needed to prevent injuries. It is important for the family physician to emphasize healthy lifestyle and personal health with ballet dancers.