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Overuse pathologies are prevalent in ballet injury. Ten amateur ballet dancers (age: 23.20 ± 3.08 years) completed a progressive 5-stage choreographed routine on two consecutive days. Tri-axial accelerometers positioned at C7 and the dominant and non-dominant lower-limb were used to calculate accumulated PlayerLoadTM (PLTOTAL) and uni-axial contributions of the anterior-posterior (PLAP), medial-lateral (PLML), and vertical (PLV) planes. PLTOTAL increased significantly (p = 0.001) as a function of exercise duration within-trial, however there was no significant change between trials (p = 0.18). PLTOTAL at C7 was significantly (p = 0.001) lower than both lower-limbs, with no bilateral asymmetry evident (p = 0.97). Planar contributions to PLTOTAL were significantly greater in PLV than PLAP and PLML (p = 0.001). PlayerLoadTM demonstrated within-trial sensitivity to the progressive routine, however no residual fatigue effect was observed between trials. The results of this study suggest that accelerometers have efficacy in athlete monitoring and injury screening protocols, however unit placement should be considered for practical interpretation.

Overuse pathologies are prevalent in ballet injury. Ten amateur ballet dancers (age: 23.20 ± 3.08 years) completed a progressive 5-stage choreographed routine on two consecutive days. Tri-axial accelerometers positioned at C7 and the dominant and non-dominant lower-limb were used to calculate accumulated PlayerLoadTM (PLTOTAL) and uni-axial contributions of the anterior-posterior (PLAP), medial-lateral (PLML), and vertical (PLV) planes. PLTOTAL increased significantly (p = 0.001) as a function of exercise duration within-trial, however there was no significant change between trials (p = 0.18). PLTOTAL at C7 was significantly (p = 0.001) lower than both lower-limbs, with no bilateral asymmetry evident (p = 0.97). Planar contributions to PLTOTAL were significantly greater in PLV than PLAP and PLML (p = 0.001). PlayerLoadTM demonstrated within-trial sensitivity to the progressive routine, however no residual fatigue effect was observed between trials. The results of this study suggest that accelerometers have efficacy in athlete monitoring and injury screening protocols, however unit placement should be considered for practical interpretation.

Overuse pathologies are prevalent in ballet injury. Ten amateur ballet dancers (age: 23.20 ± 3.08 years) completed a progressive 5-stage choreographed routine on two consecutive days. Tri-axial accelerometers positioned at C7 and the dominant and nondominant lower-limb were used to calculate accumulated PlayerLoadTM (PLTOTAL) and uni-axial contributions of the anteriorposterior (PLAP), medial-lateral (PLML), and vertical (PLV) planes. PLTOTAL increased significantly (p = 0.001) as a function of exercise duration within-trial, however there was no significant change between trials (p = 0.18). PLTOTAL at C7 was significantly (p = 0.001) lower than both lower-limbs, with no bilateral asymmetry evident (p = 0.97). Planar contributions to PLTOTAL were significantly greater in PLV than PLAP and PLML (p = 0.001). PlayerLoadTM demonstrated within-trial sensitivity to the progressive routine, however no residual fatigue effect was observed between trials. The results of this study suggest that accelerometers have efficacy in athlete monitoring and injury screening protocols, however unit placement should be considered for practical interpretation.

Ankle injuries are highly prevalent in ballet, with strength highlighted as a primary risk factor. To profile ankle strength, fourteen female ballet dancers (age: 19.29 ± 1.59 years) completed an isokinetic testing protocol comprising concentric eversion (CONEV) and inversion (CONINV), and, eccentric inversion (ECCINV) trials at four angular velocities (30° · s−1, 60° · s−1, 90° · s−1, 120° · s−1) for both the dominant and non-dominant limb. In addition to Peak Torque (PT) and the corresponding Dynamic Control Ratios (DCRs), angle-specific derivatives of strength (AST) and Functional Range (FR) were calculated. There was no evidence of any significant bilateral strength asymmetry (p = 0.90) across all metrics, and no significant interactions with limb and contraction mode or velocity. A significant main effect for contraction mode (p = 0.001) highlighted greater ECCINV strength – which was maintained with increasing isokinetic velocity – in contrast to reductions in CONEV and CONINV strength. Specifically, dancers are ECCINV dominant at angular velocities greater than 60° · s−1, which is likely to be characteristic of most functional tasks. The lack of bilateral asymmetry may be attributed to dance training interventions that facilitate bilateral development, but ipsilateral mode and velocity-specific asymmetries have implications for injury risk and the training needs of female ballet dancers.

Ankle injuries are highly prevalent in ballet, with strength highlighted as a primary risk factor. To profile ankle strength, fourteen female ballet dancers (age: 19.29 ± 1.59 years) completed an isokinetic testing protocol comprising concentric eversion (CONEV) and inversion (CONINV), and, eccentric inversion (ECCINV) trials at four angular velocities (30° · s−1, 60° · s−1, 90° · s−1, 120° · s−1) for both the dominant and non-dominant limb. In addition to Peak Torque (PT) and the corresponding Dynamic Control Ratios (DCRs), angle-specific derivatives of strength (AST) and Functional Range (FR) were calculated. There was no evidence of any significant bilateral strength asymmetry (p = 0.90) across all metrics, and no significant interactions with limb and contraction mode or velocity. A significant main effect for contraction mode (p = 0.001) highlighted greater ECCINV strength – which was maintained with increasing isokinetic velocity – in contrast to reductions in CONEV and CONINV strength. Specifically, dancers are ECCINV dominant at angular velocities greater than 60° · s−1, which is likely to be characteristic of most functional tasks. The lack of bilateral asymmetry may be attributed to dance training interventions that facilitate bilateral development, but ipsilateral mode and velocity-specific asymmetries have implications for injury risk and the training needs of female ballet dancers.

Overuse pathologies are prevalent in ballet injury. Ten amateur ballet dancers (age: 23.20 ± 3.08 years) completed a progressive 5-stage choreographed routine on two consecutive days. Tri-axial accelerometers positioned at C7 and the dominant and nondominant lower-limb were used to calculate accumulated PlayerLoadTM (PLTOTAL) and uni-axial contributions of the anteriorposterior (PLAP), medial-lateral (PLML), and vertical (PLV) planes. PLTOTAL increased significantly (p = 0.001) as a function of exercise duration within-trial, however there was no significant change between trials (p = 0.18). PLTOTAL at C7 was significantly (p = 0.001) lower than both lower-limbs, with no bilateral asymmetry evident (p = 0.97). Planar contributions to PLTOTAL were significantly greater in PLV than PLAP and PLML (p = 0.001). PlayerLoadTM demonstrated within-trial sensitivity to the progressive routine, however no residual fatigue effect was observed between trials. The results of this study suggest that accelerometers have efficacy in athlete monitoring and injury screening protocols, however unit placement should be considered for practical interpretation.

allet epidemiology audits have established a high prevalence of ankle injury. However, aetiological research specific to these injuries in a ballet context is limited. Given the mechanical complexity of ballet, the aim of the current thesis was to conduct a multi-modal biomechanical investigation of ballet-specific movement. In study 1, amateur female ballet dancers completed a testing battery containing the following seven ballet-specific jump landing tasks; jeté, jeté step, échappé, sissonne, sissonne pas de bourres (PDB), temps levé and jeté en tournant (ET). A multi-camera automated motion capture system with integrated, synchronous force plate analysis was used to quantify kinetic and ankle joint kinematic responses to the movement battery. Resultant biomechanical responses were task-dependent, and bilateral symmetry was evident across all movements. Study 2 quantified the electromyographic responses to the same movement battery, again demonstrating bilateral symmetry, and mirroring the hierarchical ordering of movement demand demonstrated in study 1. Study 3 evaluated bilateral isokinetic ankle strength (Peak Torque, Angle of Peak Torque, Functional Range, Angle-Specific Torque, Dynamic Control Ratios) using a dynamometer (Biodex System 4 pro), with a testing protocol supported by the joint angular velocity and displacement data obtained during study 1. Ballet dancers are eccentric inversion strength dominant, exacerbated at ≥ 60°·s-1, and demonstrate lateral symmetry in strength which may reflect a chronic training adaptation. Study 4 utilised accelerometry to quantify planar mechanical load response to the movement battery, consistently identifying the task-dependent hierarchy of movement response, and demonstrating strong correlations (r ≥ 0.59) with planar ground reaction force measures in study 5. Study 6 utilised the greater ecological validity afforded by accelerometry to investigate the mechanical implications of consecutive ballet perfor

allet epidemiology audits have established a high prevalence of ankle injury. However, aetiological research specific to these injuries in a ballet context is limited. Given the mechanical complexity of ballet, the aim of the current thesis was to conduct a multi-modal biomechanical investigation of ballet-specific movement. In study 1, amateur female ballet dancers completed a testing battery containing the following seven ballet-specific jump landing tasks; jeté, jeté step, échappé, sissonne, sissonne pas de bourres (PDB), temps levé and jeté en tournant (ET). A multi-camera automated motion capture system with integrated, synchronous force plate analysis was used to quantify kinetic and ankle joint kinematic responses to the movement battery. Resultant biomechanical responses were task-dependent, and bilateral symmetry was evident across all movements. Study 2 quantified the electromyographic responses to the same movement battery, again demonstrating bilateral symmetry, and mirroring the hierarchical ordering of movement demand demonstrated in study 1. Study 3 evaluated bilateral isokinetic ankle strength (Peak Torque, Angle of Peak Torque, Functional Range, Angle-Specific Torque, Dynamic Control Ratios) using a dynamometer (Biodex System 4 pro), with a testing protocol supported by the joint angular velocity and displacement data obtained during study 1. Ballet dancers are eccentric inversion strength dominant, exacerbated at ≥ 60°·s-1, and demonstrate lateral symmetry in strength which may reflect a chronic training adaptation. Study 4 utilised accelerometry to quantify planar mechanical load response to the movement battery, consistently identifying the task-dependent hierarchy of movement response, and demonstrating strong correlations (r ≥ 0.59) with planar ground reaction force measures in study 5. Study 6 utilised the greater ecological validity afforded by accelerometry to investigate the mechanical implications of consecutive ballet perfor

Ankle injuries are highly prevalent in ballet, with strength highlighted as a primary risk factor. To profile ankle strength, fourteen female ballet dancers (age: 19.29 ± 1.59 years) completed an isokinetic testing protocol comprising concentric eversion (CONEV) and inversion (CONINV), and, eccentric inversion (ECCINV) trials at four angular velocities (30° · s−1, 60° · s−1, 90° · s−1, 120° · s−1) for both the dominant and non-dominant limb. In addition to Peak Torque (PT) and the corresponding Dynamic Control Ratios (DCRs), angle-specific derivatives of strength (AST) and Functional Range (FR) were calculated. There was no evidence of any significant bilateral strength asymmetry (p = 0.90) across all metrics, and no significant interactions with limb and contraction mode or velocity. A significant main effect for contraction mode (p = 0.001) highlighted greater ECCINV strength – which was maintained with increasing isokinetic velocity – in contrast to reductions in CONEV and CONINV strength. Specifically, dancers are ECCINV dominant at angular velocities greater than 60° · s−1, which is likely to be characteristic of most functional tasks. The lack of bilateral asymmetry may be attributed to dance training interventions that facilitate bilateral development, but ipsilateral mode and velocity-specific asymmetries have implications for injury risk and the training needs of female ballet dancers

Ankle injuries are highly prevalent in ballet, with strength highlighted as a primary risk factor. To profile ankle strength, fourteen female ballet dancers (age: 19.29 ± 1.59 years) completed an isokinetic testing protocol comprising concentric eversion (CONEV) and inversion (CONINV), and, eccentric inversion (ECCINV) trials at four angular velocities (30° · s−1, 60° · s−1, 90° · s−1, 120° · s−1) for both the dominant and non-dominant limb. In addition to Peak Torque (PT) and the corresponding Dynamic Control Ratios (DCRs), angle-specific derivatives of strength (AST) and Functional Range (FR) were calculated. There was no evidence of any significant bilateral strength asymmetry (p = 0.90) across all metrics, and no significant interactions with limb and contraction mode or velocity. A significant main effect for contraction mode (p = 0.001) highlighted greater ECCINV strength – which was maintained with increasing isokinetic velocity – in contrast to reductions in CONEV and CONINV strength. Specifically, dancers are ECCINV dominant at angular velocities greater than 60° · s−1, which is likely to be characteristic of most functional tasks. The lack of bilateral asymmetry may be attributed to dance training interventions that facilitate bilateral development, but ipsilateral mode and velocity-specific asymmetries have implications for injury risk and the training needs of female ballet dancers

Context: Epidemiological studies highlight a prevalence of lumbar vertebrae injuries in cricket fast bowlers, with governing bodies implementing rules to reduce exposure. Analysis typically requires complex and laboratory-based biomechanical analyses, lacking ecological validity. Developments in GPS micro-technologies facilitate on-field measures of mechanical intensity, facilitating screening toward prevention and rehabilitation. Objective: To examine the efficacy of using GPS-mounted tri-axial accelerometers to quantify accumulated body ‘load’, and to investigate the effect of GPS unit placement in relation to epidemiological observations. Design: Repeated measures, field-based. Setting: Regulation cricket pitch. Participants: 10 male injury-free participants were recruited from a cricket academy (18.1 ± 0.6yrs). Intervention: Each participant was fitted with two GPS units placed at the cervico-thoracic and lumbar spine to measure tri-axial acceleration (100 Hz). The participants were instructed to deliver a 7 over ‘spell’ of Fast Bowling, as dictated by governing body guidelines. Main Outcome Measures: Tri-axial total accumulated body and the relative uni-axial contributions were calculated for each over. Results: There was no significant main effect for overs bowled, either in total load or the tri-axial contributions to total load. This finding suggests no cumulative fatigue effect across the 10-over spell. However there was a significant main effect for GPS unit location, with the lumbar unit exposed to significantly greater load than the cervico-thoracic unit in each of the tri-axial planes. Conclusions: There was no evidence to suggest that accumulated ‘load’ significantly increased as a result of ‘spell’ duration. In this respect the governing body guidelines for this age group can be considered safe, or potentially even conservative. However the observation of higher body ‘load’ at the lumbar spine compared with the cervico-thoracic spine supports epidemio

Context: Epidemiological studies highlight a prevalence of lumbar vertebrae injuries in cricket fast bowlers, with governing bodies implementing rules to reduce exposure. Analysis typically requires complex and laboratory-based biomechanical analyses, lacking ecological validity. Developments in GPS microtechnologies facilitate on-field measures of mechanical intensity, facilitating screening toward prevention and rehabilitation. Objective: To examine the efficacy of using GPS-mounted triaxial accelerometers to quantify accumulated body load and to investigate the effect of GPS-unit placement in relation to epidemiological observations. Design: Repeated measures, field-based. Setting: Regulation cricket pitch. Participants: 10 male injury-free participants recruited from a cricket academy (18.1 ± 0.6 y). Intervention: Each participant was fitted with 2 GPS units placed at the cervicothoracic and lumbar spines to measure triaxial acceleration (100 Hz). Participants were instructed to deliver a 7-over spell of fast bowling, as dictated by governing-body guidelines. Main Outcome Measures: Triaxial total accumulated body and the relative uniaxial contributions were calculated for each over. Results: There was no significant main effect for overs bowled, in either total load or the triaxial contributions to total load. This finding suggests no cumulative fatigue effect across the 10-over spell. However, there was a significant main effect for GPS-unit location, with the lumbar unit exposed to significantly greater load than the cervicothoracic unit in each of the triaxial planes. Conclusions: There was no evidence to suggest that accumulated load significantly increased as a result of spell duration. In this respect the governing-body guidelines for this age group can be considered safe, or potentially even conservative. However, the observation of higher body load at the lumbar spine than at the cervicothoracic spine supports epidemiological observations of injury incid

Context: Epidemiological studies highlight a prevalence of lumbar vertebrae injuries in cricket fast bowlers, with governing bodies implementing rules to reduce exposure. Analysis typically requires complex and laboratory-based biomechanical analyses, lacking ecological validity. Developments in GPS micro-technologies facilitate on-field measures of mechanical intensity, facilitating screening toward prevention and rehabilitation. Objective: To examine the efficacy of using GPS-mounted tri-axial accelerometers to quantify accumulated body ‘load’, and to investigate the effect of GPS unit placement in relation to epidemiological observations. Design: Repeated measures, field-based. Setting: Regulation cricket pitch. Participants: 10 male injury-free participants were recruited from a cricket academy (18.1 ± 0.6yrs). Intervention: Each participant was fitted with two GPS units placed at the cervico-thoracic and lumbar spine to measure tri-axial acceleration (100 Hz). The participants were instructed to deliver a 7 over ‘spell’ of Fast Bowling, as dictated by governing body guidelines. Main Outcome Measures: Tri-axial total accumulated body and the relative uni-axial contributions were calculated for each over. Results: There was no significant main effect for overs bowled, either in total load or the tri-axial contributions to total load. This finding suggests no cumulative fatigue effect across the 10-over spell. However there was a significant main effect for GPS unit location, with the lumbar unit exposed to significantly greater load than the cervico-thoracic unit in each of the tri-axial planes. Conclusions: There was no evidence to suggest that accumulated ‘load’ significantly increased as a result of ‘spell’ duration. In this respect the governing body guidelines for this age group can be considered safe, or potentially even conservative. However the observation of higher body ‘load’ at the lumbar spine compared with the cervico-thoracic spine supports epidemio

Context: Epidemiological studies highlight a prevalence of lumbar vertebrae injuries in cricket fast bowlers, with governing bodies implementing rules to reduce exposure. Analysis typically requires complex and laboratory-based biomechanical analyses, lacking ecological validity. Developments in GPS microtechnologies facilitate on-field measures of mechanical intensity, facilitating screening toward prevention and rehabilitation. Objective: To examine the efficacy of using GPS-mounted triaxial accelerometers to quantify accumulated body load and to investigate the effect of GPS-unit placement in relation to epidemiological observations. Design: Repeated measures, field-based. Setting: Regulation cricket pitch. Participants: 10 male injury-free participants recruited from a cricket academy (18.1 ± 0.6 y). Intervention: Each participant was fitted with 2 GPS units placed at the cervicothoracic and lumbar spines to measure triaxial acceleration (100 Hz). Participants were instructed to deliver a 7-over spell of fast bowling, as dictated by governing-body guidelines. Main Outcome Measures: Triaxial total accumulated body and the relative uniaxial contributions were calculated for each over. Results: There was no significant main effect for overs bowled, in either total load or the triaxial contributions to total load. This finding suggests no cumulative fatigue effect across the 10-over spell. However, there was a significant main effect for GPS-unit location, with the lumbar unit exposed to significantly greater load than the cervicothoracic unit in each of the triaxial planes. Conclusions: There was no evidence to suggest that accumulated load significantly increased as a result of spell duration. In this respect the governing-body guidelines for this age group can be considered safe, or potentially even conservative. However, the observation of higher body load at the lumbar spine than at the cervicothoracic spine supports epidemiological observations of injury incid