Journal of Dance Medicine & Science最新文献

{"title":"Performance Quality Assessment in Ballet, Modern and Contemporary Dance: A Two-Step Systematic Review.","authors":"Matthew Wirdnam, Christian Bonello, Susan Mayes, Jill Cook, Katia Ferrar","doi":"10.1177/1089313X241272139","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1089313X241272139","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> Measurement of performance quality in dance is important but challenging and few dance performance quality measures exist. This study aims to (1) identify and (2) assess the quality of dance performance outcome measures for ballet, modern and contemporary dance. <b>Methods:</b> A 2-step systematic review with two separate literature searches was conducted. Step 1 involved a systematic review to identify all ballet, modern and contemporary dance performance quality outcome measures. Step 2 involved a systematic review to identify studies that reported measurement properties (eg, validity, reliability) of the tools identified in Step 1. A comprehensive electronic search of MEDLINE, SPORTSDiscus, CINHAL, Embase and IADMS Bibliography was conducted from inception to November 2020 (Part 1) and February 2021 (Part 2). To evaluate the quality of each dance performance outcome measure, three steps were conducted (1) assessment of methodological quality using the COSMIN checklists, (2) evaluation of results against criteria of good measurement properties and (3) summary of the evidence and an overall rating of evidence using a modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. <b>Results:</b> Fifteen dance performance quality outcome measures were identified (Step 1). Seventeen studies reported measurement property data for 14 of 15 identified outcome measures (Step 2). The majority of the 34 measurement property outcomes were rated as doubtful (COSMIN checklists), and demonstrated sufficient measurement properties. Only one outcome measure, the Radell Evaluation Scale for Dance Technique (RESDT), was assessed as having low and moderate quality evidence for validity and reliability respectively. The remaining 13 tools were rated as having very low-quality evidence (GRADE criteria). <b>Conclusions:</b> Due to low quality, the 15 dance performance quality tools cannot be confidently recommended for use at this time. Dance teachers, clinician and researchers should consider feasibility issues and use the tools with caution until adequate high-quality evidence is available.</p>","PeriodicalId":46421,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dance Medicine & Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142298344","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of Mental Health Problems and their Potential Association with Sleep Disturbance, Coping Skills and Social Support in Professional Ballet Dancers.","authors":"Astrid Junge, Anja Hauschild","doi":"10.1177/1089313X241277930","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1089313X241277930","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> While several studies have analyzed the characteristics and burden of injuries and physical complaints in (pre-)professional dancers, mental health problems, other than eating disorders, have rarely been studied in professional ballet dancers. The aims were to (a) investigate the prevalence of self-reported mental health problems, and (b) analyze their potential associations with sleep disturbance, coping skills and social support in professional ballet dancers. <b>Methods:</b> During a pre-season health screening, professional ballet dancers of three companies were asked to answer questions on personal characteristics, current need and attempt to lose weight, chronic/recurrent mental health problems, and need of support from a psychotherapist as well as established questionnaires on depression (PHQ-9), generalized anxiety (GAD-7), eating disorders (EDE-QS), sleep disturbance (ASSQ), athletic coping skills (ACSI-28) and perceived social support (F-SozU-K6). <b>Results:</b> All 96 dancers (average age 27.3 years, 51.0% male) who participated in the screening answered the questionnaire. In the PHQ-9, 19 (19.8%) dancers reported mild, and 4 (4.2%) moderate to severe symptoms. In the GAD-7, 19 (19.8%) dancers reported mild, 11 (11.5%) moderate and three (3.1%) severe symptoms. Ten (10.4%) dancers were screened positive for an eating disorder in the EDE-QS. Almost two thirds of the dancers reported sleep problems of mild (n = 39; 40.6%), moderate (n = 19; 19.8%) or severe extent (n = 3; 3.1%) in the ASSQ. One in five dancers (n = 19; 19.8%) wanted or needed support from a psychotherapist at the time of the screening. The mean score of ASSQ correlated significantly with PHQ-9 (<i>r</i> = .34; <i>P</i> = .001) and GAD-7 (<i>r</i> = .27; <i>P</i> = .008). Correlations of mental health problems with athletic coping skills and social support were generally low. <b>Conclusion:</b> The prevalence of mental health problems, especially anxiety and eating disorders, was high in professional ballet dancers. Routine screening of mental health and sleep problems as well as interventions to improve mental health and sleep quality are strongly recommended. <b>Level of Evidence:</b> 2b cross-sectional study.</p>","PeriodicalId":46421,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dance Medicine & Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142298345","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hip Range of Motion and Strength in Young Pre-Professionals Ballet Dancers Versus Non-Dancers.","authors":"Anna Eleftheraki, Guillermo R Oviedo, Núria Massó-Ortigosa","doi":"10.1177/1089313X241281642","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1089313X241281642","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> Lower-extremity external rotation, commonly known as turnout, is a fundamental skill in dance. Limited data exist regarding joint range of motion and strength in pre-professional young dancers and non-dancers. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in hip range of motion and hip strength between pre-professional ballet dancers and non-dancers. Additionally, the study assessed the variations between the left and right sides within each group. <b>Methods:</b> This observational study assessed 60 pre-professional ballet dancers and 31 non-dancers with an average age of 11.91 ± 1.49. Evaluation included passive hip rotation, tibial torsion, total passive turnout measured with digital goniometers, and total active turnout (both static and dynamic) through standing on paper and rotational discs. Hip rotation strength was measured using a force sensor device. Statistical analyses encompassed student <i>t</i>-tests, Pearson's correlations, and ANCOVA with age and body weight as covariates, applying the Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. <b>Results:</b> Ballet dancers exhibited greater passive hip external rotation and lower passive hip internal rotation compared to non-dancers. They also demonstrated superior total active turnout (static and dynamic). After adjusting for age and weight, dancers demonstrated significantly higher hip external rotation strength than non-dancers. Hip internal rotation strength did not differ significantly between the groups. Ballet dancers displayed inherent asymmetry, with the left side showing greater tibial torsion and standing active turnout, while the right side exhibited greater hip external rotation during dynamic active turnout. Non-dancers did not show significant side differences. <b>Conclusions:</b> Young pre-professional ballet dancers exhibited significant hip rotation differences compared to non-dancers, including notable right-left asymmetry. These findings should be considered when planning training, aiming to optimize musculoskeletal attributes and promote balanced hip rotation. Recognizing these asymmetries and addressing muscular imbalances is vital for injury prevention and performance enhancement.</p>","PeriodicalId":46421,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dance Medicine & Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142298343","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An Exploration of Low Back Beliefs of Male Pre-Professional and Professional Dancers.","authors":"Isaac Campbell, Robyn Fary, Luke Hopper, Danica Hendry","doi":"10.1177/1089313X241237846","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1089313X241237846","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Globally, male dancers are affected by low back pain (LBP) up to 2.5 times more than female dancers. While female dancers' beliefs around LBP and dance-specific low back movements exist, no research has explored male dancers' beliefs. This study aimed to (1) examine the low back beliefs of Australian male professional and pre-professional dancers, and (2) determine if beliefs toward common low back movements and lifting differed when current LBP or history of disabling LBP (DLBP) were considered.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>40 male dancers (mean age [SD] 26.9 years [7.9]) from a range of dance backgrounds (all participating in ballet) were recruited to complete a cross-sectional survey comprising a beliefs questionnaire considering dance-specific movement and lifting tasks, the Back Pain Attitudes Questionnaire (Back-PAQ) and the Athletic Fear Avoidance Questionnaire (AFAQ). Primary analysis included initial descriptives, a repeated measures ANOVA for movement-specific beliefs and visual thematic analysis for written responses within the belief's questionnaire. Secondary subgroup analysis included independent <i>T</i>-tests for those with/without current LBP and those with/without a history of DLBP.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fourteen dancers reported current LBP and 30 reported a history of DLBP. Dancers held generally negative beliefs toward the low back (Back-PAQ mean 123.1 ± 9.7) with neither subgroup demonstrating significant between-group difference (<i>P</i> < .05). Dance-specific flexion movements were seen as safer than extension movements (<i>P</i> < .05), and more extended-spine lifting was seen as safer than more flexed-spine lifting (<i>P</i> < .05). Dancers experiencing current LBP held less positive beliefs surrounding some dance-specific movements.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Dancers hold negative general beliefs toward the low back irrespective of current or historical DLBP, however their beliefs surrounding dance-specific movements were relatively positive. Dancers' beliefs surrounding some movements were affected by the presence of current LBP, in particular an arabesque and a fish dive.</p>","PeriodicalId":46421,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dance Medicine & Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140111834","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Disrupting the Obligation of Objective Knowledge in Dance Science Research.","authors":"Louisa Petts, Ashley McGill","doi":"10.1177/1089313X241245493","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1089313X241245493","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Through pressure from funding and governing bodies, an audit culture invades the rhetoric of the dance medicine and science research community, leading to undue focus on justifying and legitimizing the holistic benefits of dancing. This paper critiques this hierarchical value system which disproportionately favors objective, generalizable, and quantitative research approaches still dominant in dance medicine and science, existing since the founding of the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) in 1990.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Whilst this may mean studies are generalizable when applied to broader contexts, objective outcomes lack granularity and do not automatically lead to appropriate, meaningful, inclusive, or accessible dance experiences for everyone. Subjective, idiographic, ethnographic, embodied, phenomenological, and transdisciplinary approaches to dance medicine and science research have great potential to broaden, deepen, and enrich the field.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This paper highlights the tensions between qualitative and quantitative methodologies, advocating that researchers can rigorously embrace their positionality to contribute toward ontological and epistemological clarity with any researcher bias, assumption, or expectation transparently disclosed. The writing draws on research examples from Dance for Health (DfH) as a part of dance science and medicine field of study, including but not limited to Dance for Parkinson's. This paper provides resourceful recommendations, encouraging researchers to remain imaginative and curious through application of arts-based, person-centered, collaborative mixed methods within their own studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":46421,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dance Medicine & Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140868488","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identity Reconstruction Following Injury in Dancers.","authors":"Shoshana Shiloh, Aviv Halfon","doi":"10.1177/1089313X241233717","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1089313X241233717","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives:</b> To explore reconstructed identities of dancers who experienced an injury, using a model of identity reconstruction post-injury. <b>Methods:</b> An online questionnaire study with 145 dancers who had experienced a significant dance-related injury. Measures included a questionnaire measuring dancers' reconstructed identities, injury perceptions and injury centrality to self-concept. Statistical analyses included factor analysis, regression analyses and discriminant analysis. <b>Results:</b> Four latent variables discovered \"supernormal self,\" \"former self,\" \"middle self,\" and \"resentful self\" reconstructed identities. Injury centrality to the self and specific injury perceptions were correlated with reconstructed identity scales in the predicted directions. <b>Conclusions:</b> The findings validated the existence of 4 distinct reconstructed identities associated with time distance from the injury. Classifying injured dancers according to these identities can help dance educators, practitioners and counselors detect dancers needing help and tailor counseling methods to modify the relevant injury perceptions.</p>","PeriodicalId":46421,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dance Medicine & Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139984168","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Effects of 5 Minutes of Static Stretching on Joint Flexibility and Muscle Strength Are Comparable Between Ballet Dancers and Non-Dancers.","authors":"Takamasa Mizuno, Hiromi Okamoto","doi":"10.1177/1089313X241241450","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1089313X241241450","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> Ballet dancers have a special morphology, such as a large muscle thickness that affects passive torque. Ballet dancers also possess specialized mechanical, and neural properties of muscles and tendons. These characteristics may produce different static stretching effects than non-dancers. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the differences in the effects of static stretching on joint range of motion, passive torque, and muscle strength between ballet dancers and non-dancers. <b>Methods:</b> This study included 13 ballet dancers and 13 college students. The muscle and tendon thicknesses were assessed using ultrasonography. In the right lower extremity, torque-angle data and muscle-tendon junction displacement measurements were obtained during isokinetic passive dorsiflexion before and after a 5-minute static stretch against the right plantar flexors. The relative stretching intensity was calculated by dividing the stretching angle by the maximal dorsiflexion angle pre-stretch. Additionally, the isometric maximal voluntary plantar flexion torque on the left ankle was measured before and after 5 minutes of static stretching against the left plantar flexors. <b>Results:</b> Ballet dancers had significantly greater muscle thickness than non-dancers (22.4 ± 2.2 vs 18.1 ± 1.7 mm), whereas no significant difference was observed in the Achilles tendon thickness. No significant difference was observed in the stretching angle; however, the relative stretching intensity was higher in the control group (65.9 ± 19.8 vs 127.5 ± 63.8%). Static stretching increased the maximal dorsiflexion angle (dancer: 30.4° ± 9.6° to 33.9° ± 9.5°, non-dancer: 18.4° ± 8.6° to 20.5° ± 9.5°) and maximal passive torque in both groups, whereas the maximal isometric plantar flexion torque and submaximal passive torque decreased. However, no significant differences were observed in the changes between the groups. <b>Conclusion:</b> These results indicate that despite having a lower relative stretching intensity, ballet dancers experienced similar changes as non-dancers after 5 minutes of static stretching.</p>","PeriodicalId":46421,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dance Medicine & Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140289204","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Can Dance Improve Turning in People With Parkinson's Disease?","authors":"Aline Nogueira Haas, Tina Smith, Leonardo Alexandre Peyré-Tartaruga, Marlene Brito Fortes, Fruzsina Nagy, Marcela Dos Santos Delabary, Yiannis Koutedakis, Matthew Wyon","doi":"10.1177/1089313X241242632","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1089313X241242632","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objective:</b> To investigate the effects of a dance intervention on selected functional parameters during the 180° turning phase of the Timed Up & Go (TUG) test in people with Parkinson's Disease (PwPD). <b>Methods:</b> Fifteen adults clinically diagnosed with idiopathic PD were allocated into dance intervention (DIG; n = 7 ; age 73 ± 2 years) and control (CG; n = 8; age 64 ± 5 years) groups. The dance intervention lasted for 3 months (1 hour, twice a week). At baseline, all participants completed the Unified PD Rating Scale-part III, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form, and the Hoehn & Yahr scale. Pre- and post-intervention, the primary outcomes were measured (number of steps and time to complete the 180° turning phase of the TUG test) at 2 speeds (comfortable walking and as quickly and safely speed) while using the Xsens^® 3D motion suit. The secondary outcome (girdle dissociation) was assessed by calculating the difference between pelvis and affected shoulder orientation in the transverse plane (dissociation angles) at each data point during the TUG test's 180° turning phase. <b>Results:</b> At participant's comfortable walking speed, the functionality during the 180° turning remained unaffected following the dance intervention. However, at participant's fast speed, the dance intervention group significantly reduced the number of steps with a large effect size, and the total time taken to complete the 180° turning with a medium effect size. Post-intervention, most participants in the dance intervention group reduced the affected shoulder and pelvic girdle dissociation and turned more \"en bloc.\" <b>Conclusion:</b> Dance can improve selected functional parameters during the 180° turning at fast speed in PwPD. The current results should be considered in rehabilitation programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":46421,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dance Medicine & Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140869801","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Structured, Creative Dance Classes for Children with Developmental Disabilities: A Pilot Study of Feasibility and Preliminary Effect on Motor Function.","authors":"Kelsey Kempner, Melanye White Dixon, Michelle D Failla, Susan Hadley, Lise Worthen-Chaudhari","doi":"10.1177/1089313X241237007","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1089313X241237007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Promoting physical wellness for preschool-aged children with developmental disorders (DD) is a known challenge. Interventions are more likely to succeed when physical activity opportunities are available to children within the context of their typical environments. We evaluated the feasibility and preliminary effect of 1 potential solution: structured creative dance classes delivered within a preschool environment.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using a non-randomized feasibility study design, we offered physical activity in the form of creative dance classes for children with and without DD within an inclusive preschool. Classes lasted 30 minutes and were held once a week or 7 weeks. We measured attendance (primary), observed active participation (% of class duration), and balance (Pediatric Balance Scale). Non-parametric descriptive statistics are expressed as median (interquartile range). Balance was evaluated regarding (a) difference between groups at baseline (Mann-Whitney statistic) and (b) intervention effect for children with DD (1-tailed, paired t-test).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twelve preschoolers (age range = 3-5 years) participated: 4 with DD and 8 with neurotypical development. Attendance was 93% (79%-100%) for children with and 100% for children without DD. Per class, rate of active participation in dance activity was 33% (28%-45%) for children with and 80% (71%-82%) for children without DD. Starting balance scores were lower (<i>P</i> = .014) for children with DD (42 (39-45)) compared to those without (51 (50-52)). Post-intervention, balance scores improved for the children with DD to 50 (50-51) (df = 3, p = .014, <i>t</i>-statistic = 2.35); each child with DD surpassed minimal detectable change for balance.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Creative dance classes, delivered within an inclusive preschool environment, are feasible for some preschool-aged children with DD to participate in and efficacious as a physical training challenge at low activity doses. More study is warranted of this potential solution to meet the need for physical wellness promotion among young children with DD.</p>","PeriodicalId":46421,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dance Medicine & Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140094794","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An Achilles Tendinopathy Educational Intervention for Generalist Physicians Raises Awareness and Improves Knowledge for Treating Ballet Dancers.","authors":"Wendy C Coates, Leroy Sims","doi":"10.1177/1089313X241238814","DOIUrl":"10.1177/1089313X241238814","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Achilles tendinopathy can be a devastating condition in ballet dancers. Initial medical evaluation is frequently conducted by generalist physicians, who may lack the perspective of dance and sports medicine focused training and often prescribe complete rest for chronic overuse injuries. In order to provide targeted information about Achilles tendinopathy and the unique needs of elite athletes, such as ballet dancers, we designed an educational intervention that covers relevant anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, clinical presentation and evaluation, and recommendations for initial treatment and sub-specialty referral. The objectives of this study were to determine baseline understanding of Achilles tendinopathy by generalist physicians and to evaluate the efficacy of an educational intervention on their knowledge.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a prospective pre- post-test study, to measure improvement in knowledge about Achilles tendinopathy. Emergency Medicine and Primary Care physicians participated in an educational intervention with didactic and hands-on components. Data were analyzed using a two-tailed <i>t</i>-test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty generalist physicians participated. There was significant improvement in their knowledge of Achilles tendinopathy for all our educational objectives (Pre-test: 59% correct answers; post-test: 79% correct answers; <i>P</i> < .0001; 95% CI: 6.32-10.78.).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A brief educational intervention leads to increased knowledge of Achilles tendinopathy in generalist physicians. By increasing awareness of Achilles tendinopathy through a standard educational model, we propose that our curriculum can be portable and accessible to all health care providers who encounter dancers and other athletes with Achilles tendinopathy and may serve as a model for expanded education to generalists about other conditions commonly encountered in ballet dancers.</p>","PeriodicalId":46421,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Dance Medicine & Science","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140144281","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}