Is it safe to dance flamenco during pregnancy? Biomechanical considerations

Abstract

Flamenco has become nowadays a very popular dance style over the world. The percussive footwork and vibration patterns created during dancing imposes high demands on the musculoskeletal system and the forces transmitted from the foot in a proximal direction could contribute to the stress urinary incontinence. Therefore it may be questionable for the women during pregnancy. That is why the purpose of this study was to investigate the level and effects of dynamic loading on the musculoskeletal system of the flamenco dancer during advanced pregnancy. The participant of the study was a female in the third trimester of pregnancy (34.5 yrs, 76 kg, 1.72 m). She has been practicing flamenco for 15 years. The task of the subject was the execution of ZAP-3 Test: a sequence of six footworks performed with the forefoot, heel and toes, alternatively with both feet during 15 seconds at maximum speed. Kinetic data were collected with a Kistler force plate. Afterwards, the subject filled the Waterloo Footedness Questionnaire-Revised and questionnaire on health condition. As the registrations revealed, strikes with different parts of the foot generate different impacts to those elements. The average values of the vertical component of GRF normalized to body weight throughout the whole test ranged between 0.49 («Punta») and 3.22 BW («Tacón de Planta»). On the basis of questionnaire and interview, the pregnant subject reported neither urogenital disorders, nor musculoskeletal injuries. At the same time, gravida emphasized being familiar with the pelvic floor muscles training. Due to visual observation, a proper alignment of the dancer’s body was identified: vertical trunk, stabilized spine, optimal stable pelvic position. Additionally our expectant mother performed proper configuration of the lower limb joints with semi-flexed knees and hips. To conclude, flamenco dancers should be supported to continue their training during pregnancy but the amount of loadings during classes should be discussed (type, Intensity, duration frequency of exercises). Any symptoms of pain or discomfort warrant examination by a physician. Then, as flamenco works on the core of the body, it can also help with pelvic floor muscles, assuming that the subject is aware of the right body alignment and muscle activity. That is why the attention should be more focused on the education of the dancers’ body awareness in ergonomic technique.

Keywords

• flamenco dancing
• overloadings
• footwork
• posture