GROUND REACTION FORCES DURING “POINTE” IN BALLET

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in ground reaction forces between right and left leg during pointe. Fifteen ballet dancers who have no lower limb injury participated in this study. Eight infrared cameras (Qualisys, Sweden) and two force plates (Kistler, Switzerland) were used for a three dimensional motion analysis. Ballet dancers were asked to perform 10 trials of “demi-plie en pointe”. The results showed significant differences in vertical ground reaction forces between right and left leg at maximum ankle extension (E3, ??<0.5). Also, significant differences were found in the range of COP for both right and left leg during P2 and P3. The findings indicated that ballet dancers showed greater changes of COP displacement in left leg compared to right leg during pointe.