Comparison of Flexibility and Joint Mobility in Student Dancers and Non-Dancers
Abstract
Flexibility and joint mobility play crucial roles in the health and physical performance of adolescents. With the growing interest in dance as a form of exercise and extracurricular activity, this study aims to compare flexibility and health-related joint mobility between adolescent dance practitioners and non-practitioners. The sample was intentionally selected and consisted of 20 female adolescents, aged 15 years, divided into two groups: Control (GC), with 10 non-dancers, and Dance (GD), with 10 dancers who had practiced for at least one year. Flexibility of the hamstring muscles was assessed using the sit-and-reach test, and hip joint mobility was measured by goniometry. Statistical analysis included Shapiro-Wilk tests (normality) and Student’s t-test for independent samples. The results showed that the dance group exhibited greater flexibility (GC=40.9 cm; GD=52.4 cm, p=0.001) and better results in several joint mobility tests: internal rotation of the right hip (GC=49; GD=51, p=0.002), flexion of the right hip with the knee flexed (GC=59.4; GD=62.2, p=0.007), and abduction of the left hip (GC=63.6; GD=68.8, p=0.001). It is concluded that dance practice is associated with greater flexibility and better joint mobility of the lower limbs in adolescents, promoting greater physical health benefits.
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