An exploration of pre-professional dancers' beliefs of the low back and dance-specific low back movements
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Low back pain (LBP) is common in dancers. A biopsychosocial model should be considered in the aetiology of LBP, including a dancer's general beliefs of the low back and movements of the spine. This study aimed to determine pre-professional dancers' beliefs about their lower back in general and dance-specific movements of the spine and to explore whether these beliefs were influenced by a history of disabling LBP.
METHODS: 52 pre-professional female dancers (mean age 18.3 [1.4] yrs) were recruited and reported whether they had a history of disabling LBP and completed the Back Pain Attitudes Questionnaire (Back-PAQ) and a dance movement beliefs questionnaire. A linear mixed model was applied to determine the effect of a history of disabling LBP on dancers' beliefs (p<0.05).
RESULTS: 20 dancers reported a history of disabling LBP. Regardless of this LBP history, dancers held generally negative beliefs as measured by the Back-PAQ (p=0.130). A history of disabling LBP did not influence dancers' perceived movement safety of all tasks (p=0.867), and dancers held negative beliefs towards extension activities. These beliefs were linked to the conceptions of perceived risk of damage and the need to protect the lower back.
CONCLUSIONS: Dancers hold negative general beliefs around the low back and low back movements, regardless of a history of disabling LBP. Dancers perceive extension activities as more dangerous than flexion activities. These beliefs may reflect a combination of pain experience and beliefs specific to dance.
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
9-1-2019
ISSN
0885-1158
Volume
34
Issue
3
PubMed ID
31482173
Publication Title
Medical Problems of Performing Artists
Publisher
Science & Medicine
School
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)
RAS ID
29684
Funders
Curtin University
Copyright
subscription content
First Page
147
Last Page
153
Comments
Hendry, D., Straker, L., Campbell, A., Hopper, L., Tunks, R., & O'Sullivan, P. (2019). An exploration of pre-professional dancers' beliefs of the low back and dance-specific low back movements. Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 34(3), 147-153. Available here