Improving Foot Strength in Vocational Ballet Dancers

Professional dancers subject their feet to high forces through frequent jumping, repeated heel rises, insufficient shoe cushioning, and a high degree of foot mobility. To prevent injuries and improve jumping performance, dancers are recommended to strengthen the muscles of the lower extremities. The foot muscles, especially the toe flexors, play an important role as shock absorbers and motors for the foot by absorbing and generating mechanical energy, which is essential for human locomotion. Furthermore, they serve as a link between the powerful leg extensor muscles and the ground, transmitting the energy generated by the larger muscle groups. This makes them essential components of overall athletic performance. However, the impact of foot muscle strength on dancers´ jumping performance remains uncertain. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of two training programs designed to strengthen the toe flexor muscles in dancers. For this project, a 6.5-week intervention with ballet students from a vocational ballet school is planned. Before and after the intervention, all study participants will perform tests to assess foot muscle strength and jumping performance.