An exploratory analysis of screening data for increased jump performance in adolescent classical ballet dancers / Lauren Hurst (2022)

Introduction
Jumping is an important part of classical ballet and with increasing movement ability and broadening choreographic language in each new generation of dancers, it is apparent why dancers need to increase jump height. There is a lack of research around how to increase jump height in the dance science field, with many dance professionals associating higher jumps with a deeper demi-plié. Yet, sport science research shows mixed results as to whether countermovement depth increases jump height. The objective of this project was therefore to determine the best predictor of jump height in adolescent ballet dancers with a view to enhancing jump performance.
Methods
Data on countermovement jump height, countermovement depth and ankle dorsiflexion from 118 students aged 11-16 years collected during physical healthcare screening sessions at a vocational school were analysed. Multiple regressions were performed on the whole data set and for each school year group 7-11 to determine which variable was the best predictor of countermovement jump height: ankle dorsiflexion or countermovement depth.
Results
Results showed that for the whole data set and for individual year groups 8, 10 and 11 countermovement depth was both statistically significant and the best predictor of countermovement jump height. For year 7, whilst countermovement depth was a significant predictor, ankle dorsiflexion was a better predictor of jump height. In year 9, results showed that neither countermovement depth nor ankle dorsiflexion significantly predicted jump height. Conclusion
The best predictor of countermovement jump height for most year groups aged 11-16 years was countermovement depth. The exceptions of year 7 and 9 could be explained by growth and maturation but further research needs to be done to confirm this. This research has begun to fill the gap in dance science surrounding this subject but needs to be built upon to provide any solution to improving jump height in adolescent ballet dancers.