Prevalence of muscle imbalance and its potential influence on injury among female acrobatic dancers

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of muscle imbalance among young adolescent acrobats (n=15) and if there was a potential link to injury. METHODS: Isokinetic strength of the lower extremity, isometric strength of the trunk, and flexibility of both the trunk and lower extremity were assessed. Pearson correlation (r) and χ(2) correlation tests were performed on all explanatory variables. RESULTS: Significant correlations were found between isokinetic peak torque of the quadriceps and hamstrings (p=0.000) and the plantar flexors and dorsiflexors (p=0.000) on both sides, along with plantar flexor dominance (p=0.000). Non-significant findings were seen when identifying dominance between the quadriceps and hamstrings (p=0.933) as well as when correlating peak torque and flexibility of the lower extremity (right hamstrings: p=0.668, left hamstrings: p=0.338, right quadriceps: p=0.171, left quadriceps: p=0.707, right plantar flexors: p=0.282, left plantar flexors: p=0.382, right dorsiflexors: p=0.297 and left dorsiflexors: p=0.393). CONCLUSION: Acrobats demonstrated noticeably high ranges of flexibility, and the most common injury site was found to be the ankle. However, these mentioned injuries were not all due to acrobatic participation. The limited sample size warrants extensive research with a larger sample size to further verify or dispute the results found in this study. Muscle imbalances found within this population could increase the risk of injury.