ABSTRACT:
This study was conducted to determine if hip
external rotation (turnout) in ballet students could be increased through
exercises designed to stretch the hip capsule, the iliofemoral ligament,
and surrounding hip musculature. Hip external rotation in sitting
was measured in female ballet dancers aged eight to nineteen. Certain
dancers (n=56) were randomly assigned to take part in a thirteen-week exercise
program consisting of stretches and range of motion exercises to stretch
the hip capsule, the iliofemoral ligament, and the surrounding hip musculature,
in addition to their normal ballet classes. The dancers (n=32) not assigned
to the exercise program, participated in their normal weekly dance classes.
Posttest measurements were taken at the end of the thirteen weeks.
Data were analyzed using independent t-tests. Results indicated significantly
increased passive and active range of motion of both the right and left
hips in the dancers who participated in the exercise program as compared
with those who did not.