Ground Reaction Forces Comparison of 'Sauté' Jump Landing between Dancers with Different Levels of Proficiency

Ballet dancers are exposed to the high likelihood of lower extremity injury due to repeated high-impact jumps under stringent ballet rules. The injury incidences occurring in dancers during jump landings are highly associated with excessive vertical ground reaction forces (vGRF) and the sharp loading rate (LR). The aim of this study was to compare vGRF and LR during ballet "sauté" jump landings in dancers with two different skill levels. Impact peak force (F1) and active peak force (F2) were both significantly varied between novice and experienced dancers. The LR was also significantly different between the two groups but no significant differences were found in peak take-off force and jump height. The difference of vGRF during jump landings in different skill levels can be considered as an influential factor for dance instructors, educators, physicians, and dancers themselves in order to support a better jump performance and reduce the likelihood of potential injury.