Authors: Jacek Małecki, Mirosław Kokosz, Edward Saulicz, Izabela Świat-Borowczyk

Published online: 30 November 2015

Background: Low back pain is a common problem in ballroom dancers. In the United States of America about 23% of all injuries in dancers is low back pain. Low back pain in dancers can be related to the extended position of the spine during dancing. The activity of the abdominal muscles, such as transverse abdominis and multifidus muscles can play significant role in the pathomechanics of the problem. These muscles are important for stability of the pelvis and the lumbar spine. The purpose of the study was to estimate the effectiveness of stability exercises of the lumbo-pelvichip complex in reducing low back pain among ballroom dancers.

Material/Methods: 30 professional dancers (mean age of 19 years) both males and females participated in the research. Subjects were randomised into two groups. Dancers from the first group continued normal dance training with extra stability training (the experimental group). Participants from the second group continued normal dance training only, without any modifications (the control group). The pain rate was measured by the Numerical Pain Rating Scale. The stability muscles activity was estimated with the biofeedback pressure unit in supine and prone position.

Results: After 6 weeks of stability trainings in dancers from experimental group low back pain significantly decreased and the stability muscles activity improved (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Results of the study show that stability exercises can be effective in reducing low back pain in ballroom dancers. However, prolonged observations and research comparing different training regimens (e.g. general exercises or Pilates) are needed.