Relationship between Functional Ankle Instability and Anthropometric and Training Characteristics in Classical Ballet Dancers in Medellín: A Cross- Sectional Study

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.iatreia.334

Keywords:

Ankle Joint, Dance, Functional Physical Performance, Joint Instability, Proprioception

Abstract

Introduction: Classical ballet as a discipline pushes the joints of the lower limbs to the extremes of their capacity. Considering that the joints and ligaments of the foot and ankle are not designed for such excessive loads, "dance injuries" become very frequent.
Objective: To describe the association between functional ankle instability and the characteristics of ballet dancers in Medellín during 2023.
Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted involving classical ballet dancers from two ballet academies in Medellín. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, training, and clinical-functional characteristics were collected through surveys, the Identification of Functional Ankle Instability (IdFAI) instrument, the Y Balance Test, and physical examinations. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed using hypothesis testing to establish the association between these characteristics and functional ankle instability. The p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The prevalence of ankle instability was 76.9%, and the factors explaining it included a history of injuries, weekly training time, height, and ankle pain.
Conclusion: Classical ballet dancers exhibit a high prevalence of functional ankle instability, and the associated factors can be addressed through prevention strategies and specific training interventions.

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Author Biographies

Santiago Montoya-González, Universidad CES, Medellín, Colombia

Teacher, Universidad CES, Medellín, Colombia.

Mariana Arboleda-Jaramillo, Universidad CES, Medellín, Colombia

Physiotherapist, Universidad CES, Medellín, Colombia.

Pedro Pablo Zuluaga-Maya, Universidad CES, Medellín, Colombia

Senior Physiotherapy student, Universidad CES, Medellín, Colombia.

Simon Alejandro Mejía-Córdoba, Universidad CES, Medellín, Colombia

Physiotherapist, Universidad CES, Medellín, Colombia.

Manuela Echeverri-López, Universidad CES, Medellín, Colombia

Physiotherapist, Universidad CES, Medellín, Colombia.

Ana Sofía Molina-Tabares, Universidad CES, Medellín, Colombia

Physiotherapist, Universidad CES, Medellín, Colombia.

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Published

2025-04-28

How to Cite

1.
Montoya-González S, Arboleda-Jaramillo M, Zuluaga-Maya PP, Mejía-Córdoba SA, Echeverri-López M, Molina-Tabares AS. Relationship between Functional Ankle Instability and Anthropometric and Training Characteristics in Classical Ballet Dancers in Medellín: A Cross- Sectional Study. Iatreia [Internet]. 2025 Apr. 28 [cited 2026 Feb. 21];38(4). Available from: https://revistas.udea.edu.co/index.php/iatreia/article/view/355553

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Original research

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