Biomechanics of the foot and ankle and injury rate in women's aerobic dance
Date
1988
Authors
Iles, David Michael
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Abstract
Abnormal biomechanics of the ankle joint, rearfoot and forefoot, that can lead to overpronation, are frequently cited as the cause of injuries to the lower limb in the running population. These findings are extrapolated to other types of aerobic activity without the benefit of a separate analysis . The primary purpose of this study was to examine a group of healthy female subjects (~ = 195) for ankle, rearfoot and forefoot abnormalities and follow them through a 12 week period of aerobic dance classes to determine if the abnormalities found, had a relationship to the injury rate of the group. A secondary purpose was to examine general lower limb flexibility as measured, by a sit and reach test, to see if a relationship existed between lower limb flexibility and subsequent injury rate. Injury rates were graded on a four level scale ranging from soreness that did not require alteration of the subject's activity level (Grade I) to an injury that required medical intervention (Grade IV). Grade I injuries were regarded as complaints only. Fifty- six Grade I injuries and 25 Grade II to Grade IV injuries were recorded . Subjects were contacted bi- weekly . There was not a significant relationship between ; (1) dorsiflexion and subsequent injury rate x2 (l ,~ = 382) = 0 .94 9 (p)0.05); (2) rearfoot varus or valgus and subsequent injury rate X (1, N = 382) = 0 . 136 , (p>0 .05) ; (3) fore foot varus and subsequent injury rate X (1, ~ = 382) = 2.163 , p).05 . Similarily , there was not a significant relationship between lower limb flexibility and subsequent injury rate , X (1, ~ = 19 3) = 2 . 213, p).05. This study did not find a relationship between foot and ankle biomechanical abnormalities, or general lower limb flexibility, and subsequent injury rate in women's aerobic dance.