Author(s): LI, C., LIN, C., Institution: NATIONAL CHENG KUNG UNIVERSITY, Country: TAIWAN, Abstract-ID: 1573

INTRODUCTION:
Lateral snapping hip syndrome (LSHS) is prevalent in ballet dancers due to repetitive, extreme hip movements. Altered hip control and excessive soft-tissue loading often impair performance in demanding tasks such as the developpe a la seconde. While traditional hip-focused strengthening is common, its impact on dance-specific performance is unclear. Pilates-based training, emphasizing postural alignment and controlled movement, may offer superior support for complex ballet mechanics. This study compared the effects of an 8-week mat Pilates program versus a hip-focused exercise program on muscle stiffness and functional performance in dancers with LSHS.
METHODS:
In this preliminary randomized controlled trial, four classical ballet dancers with visible or palpable IT band/gluteus maximus snapping over the greater trochanter were assigned to either a mat Pilates group (PG, n=2) or a hip-focused exercise group (HG, n=2). Both groups trained three sessions per week for eight weeks. Assessments included tensor fasciae latae (TFL) stiffness via MyotonPRO, hip muscle strength (handheld dynamometer), TFL flexibility (Ober’s test), lower abdominal endurance, and Dance Functional Outcome Survey (DFOS), and objective kinematics (relative developpe a la seconde angle) using IMU sensors. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests for within-group changes and independent samples t-tests for between-group change scores (p < 0.05).
RESULTS:
Both groups exhibited leg-specific strength adaptations. Gluteus medius strength increased more in the gesture leg than the support leg for both PG (Delta= 63.5 +/- 44.8 N vs. Delta=36.2+/- 5.6 N) and HG (Delta= 52.2+/-11.1 N vs. Delta=37.9+/- 38.1 N). Between-group differences in strength were not significant. TFL flexibility showed a greater improvement trend in PG (Delta= 9.50 +/- 2.12 deg) compared to HG (Delta= 2.67+/- 1.42 deg; p = 0.078). Crucially, the objective relative developpe a la seconde angle significantly increased in the Pilates group (Delta= 10.49 +/-0.11 deg, p = 0.005), while no significant change occurred in HG (Delta= -16.27 +/- 12.95 deg, p = 0.326). TFL stiffness decreased in both groups (PG: Delta= 157.7 +/-73.1 N/m, p = 0.202; HG: Delta= 108.3 +/-17.0 N/m, p = 0.070) without significant between-group differences (p=0.511). DFOS scores showed descriptive improvements, with PG demonstrating a larger mean increase (Delta= 10.0 +/- 5.7 points) than HG (Delta= 2.5 +/- 0.7 points), though p > 0.05.
CONCLUSION:
Both interventions appear beneficial for dancers with LSHS. However, Pilates-based training led to a significant improvement in dance-specific kinematics (relative developpe angle) and a trend toward better TFL flexibility compared to hip-focused exercises. These preliminary findings suggest that Pilates may more effectively translate strength gains into functional ballet performance. Larger cohorts are needed to confirm these results.