Screening the Young Dancer

Background: A pioneering screening procedure was established by the author in 1985. After comprehensive screening of more than 1,500 young dancers, the norms for screening dance-related parameters should be determined.

Aim: The information that accumulated throughout the years and was processed and published by the group enables us to review the concept as well as the tools of the screening. The main goal of the present study was to expand the knowledge of the importance and advantages of screening programs to detect early anomalies, follow growth and development progressions and identify risk factors for injuries among young dancers.

Results: The screening results provided us with various aspects of the intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors for traumatic and overuse injuries. An integrative approach combining anatomical, biomechanical and physiological information deciphered the etiology and factors related to injuries. Injuries were found to result, for example, from inadequate experience, improper joint range of motion, false dancing positions, anatomical anomalies (such as scoliosis and hallux valgus) and repetitive incorrect movements that may impose high loads and strains on muscles and ligaments. Moreover, it was found that morphological characteristics may be considered as risk factors for future injuries, and that young dancers differ in their anatomical and physiological characteristics from non-dancers of the same age.

Conclusions: The multidisciplinary approach may equip young dancers, teachers, parents, and the medical staff with better knowledge and understanding of the risks associated with the musculoskeletal system during growth and development of young dancers.