ACTA FAC MED NAISS 2021;38(1):77-84

 

UDC: 792.82.071.2:616-001

DOI: 10.5937/afmnai38-27680

Original article

 

Health Problems of Professional Ballet Dancers

 

Tengiz Verulava1,2,3, Ketevan Tvalavadze4, Revaz Jorbenadze5

1School of Medicine and Healthcare Management, Caucasus University, Tbilisi, Georgia
2Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
 3School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
 4School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Caucasus University, Tbilisi, Georgia
 5Chapidze Emergency Cardiology Center, Tbilisi, Georgia

 

SUMMARY

                            

                 

                Ballet is a professional activity that places risky physical and psycho-emotional demands on the human body. The goal of this study was to evaluate health-related problems among ballet dancers. Within the qualitative study, in-depth interviews were conducted with ballet dancers at the State Ballet of Georgia. Participants’ mean age was 23.4 ± 3.5 years, the average BMI - 21.2 ± 2.2. Dancers had spent 9.2 ± 7.4 years studying dancing professionally. On average, they spent 8.5 ± 5.8 hours in class and 16.2 ± 11.6 hours in rehearsal. Most injuries were related to ankle/feet (16%), knee (60%), and neck (13%). Common risk factors for incurring pain and injury included overuse (19%), previous injury (11%), and fatigue (11%). Of the injured dancers, 80% chose to seek medical attention. Mostly, they visited traumatologists (40%) and physiotherapists (30%). The biopsychosocial condition of ballet artists is affected by physical workload, high risk of injuries, as well as constant stress. The result suggests high prevalence and recurrence of dance injuries. Ankle/feet, knee and neck are especially risky topological areas for injuries as particularly big pressure is placed on the feet and ankle joints. The majority of respondents seeked advice from medical specialists rather than family physicians. It is necessary to prevent injuries and stress through raising awareness. A team of professionals (family physician, orthopedist, psychologist, nutritionist, endocrinologist, physical therapist, nurse) is needed to prevent injuries. Family doctors should pay more attention to the promotion of a healthy lifestyle during the consultation with ballet dancers.

 

Key words: ballet dancers, health of dancers, health risks, stress, injuries