The Effects of Specific Reformer Exercises on Strength, Flexibility, and Pelvic Girdle Alignment in Modem Dancers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the effect of the Current Concept's Reformer on lower abdominal strength, leg strength, hip range of motion (ROM) and pelvic girdle alignment (pelvic stability). Abdominal strength was assessed using the Double Leg Lowering Test. Leg strength (height of the vertical jump), hip ROM and pelvic girdle alignment were assessed with two dimensional film analysis using the Peak-5 motion analysis system. The dancers were filmed during the performance of a forward battement and a vertical jump, both in parallel and "turned out" positions. The participants were 24 female college dance students and were assigned to either an experimental group or the control group. There were two experimental groups: group 1 exercised one time per week on the reformer and group 2 exercised three times per week. The data were analyzed using a 3 x 2 ANCOVA on each of the variables using the pre-test as the covariate. No significant differences were found among the groups on the parameters abdominal strength, hip ROM, pelvic stability or vertical jump. There are some plausible explanations for the results of this study. It is possible that the Reformer does not contribute to an increase in flexibility (ROM), the development of strength, or the improvement in alignment. However, because the results of this investigation contradict those of Fitt et al.(1993). more research is recommended. A possible reason for the differences between these results and those of the previous study is that in the previous study they used the recommended floor routines in conjunction with the reformer apparatus and the current study used the apparatus only.