Core stability for dancers - testing the effect of an exercise program
Kruus, Jasmin; Tuomola, Jenni (2014)
Kruus, Jasmin
Tuomola, Jenni
Satakunnan ammattikorkeakoulu
2014
All rights reserved
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2014112616852
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2014112616852
Tiivistelmä
The purpose of this thesis was to create a targeted tool, a three-month exercise program, for an advanced group of dancers to improve their core stability. The second purpose was to increase awareness of the importance of deep abdominal activation among dancers. The thesis was implemented in cooperation with a local dance school in Pori, Tanssikoulu Tiina ja heimo, which provided the target group of research: an advanced group of dancers, called LeikistiVakavasti. The research methods of this thesis were both qualitative and quantitative.
Through dancing it is possible to take care of one’s physics as well as the health of your muscular-skeletal system. In addition, dancing has been compared to athletic performance. However, physical indicators show that dancing is often more strenuous than many sports. Therefore, proper stability of the supporting muscles is vital in order to avoid injuries.
The intervention of the exercise program lasted for three months and consisted of two six week intervals. Testing of core stability with a blood pressure cuff was implemented before and after the program in order to discover whether the exercises were effective by comparing the initial and final level of the test group. Furthermore, the target group was requested to respond to a questionnaire which provided additional information.
The hypothesis of our research was that the target group would improve their core stability and they would become more aware of their deep abdominal activation with the aid of the exercise program. In addition, the exercise program was assumed to support their training; the subjects would be able to link the core stability to the demands of dance. This was partially accomplished; according to the questionnaire, majority of the subjects informed increased awareness of core stability and that the exercise program supported their dancing. However, we did not receive reliable results to support our main purpose: all the subjects did not perform the exercise program as instructed and only four subjects out of eight were able to participate in the final testing.
Through dancing it is possible to take care of one’s physics as well as the health of your muscular-skeletal system. In addition, dancing has been compared to athletic performance. However, physical indicators show that dancing is often more strenuous than many sports. Therefore, proper stability of the supporting muscles is vital in order to avoid injuries.
The intervention of the exercise program lasted for three months and consisted of two six week intervals. Testing of core stability with a blood pressure cuff was implemented before and after the program in order to discover whether the exercises were effective by comparing the initial and final level of the test group. Furthermore, the target group was requested to respond to a questionnaire which provided additional information.
The hypothesis of our research was that the target group would improve their core stability and they would become more aware of their deep abdominal activation with the aid of the exercise program. In addition, the exercise program was assumed to support their training; the subjects would be able to link the core stability to the demands of dance. This was partially accomplished; according to the questionnaire, majority of the subjects informed increased awareness of core stability and that the exercise program supported their dancing. However, we did not receive reliable results to support our main purpose: all the subjects did not perform the exercise program as instructed and only four subjects out of eight were able to participate in the final testing.