Resultant joint moments during a dégagé with and without a barre

Wieczorek, Nicole BS, Texas Woman's University, Denton, Texas, United States; Casebolt, Jeffrey B. Masters in Kinesiology, Texas Woman's University, Denton, Texas, United States; Lambert, Chris R. Masters in Kinesiology, Texas Woman's University, Denton, Texas, United States; and Kwon, Young-Hoo, PhD in Biomechanics, Texas Woman's University, Denton, Texas, United States

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the resultant joint moments (RJM) at the knee in the supporting leg during a dégagé from 1^st position. 

Participants, Setting, Equipment: Eight female participants volunteered for this study. The participants were 18-35 years of age. Eight camcorders were placed at forty-five degree angles to the center of the laboratory and collected at 60 Hz.  Kinematic and kinetic data were used to calculate RJM for the knee. 

Dependent Variable: The RJM of the supporting leg at the knee was the dependent variable for this study. 

Procedure: The participants were asked to stand with one foot on each AMTI force plate. Three trials of two dégagé conditions were performed: 1) Hand in contact with the barre - Straight-Legged 1^st Position Barre Condition (S1B), and 2) Center floor with arms in second position - Straight-Legged 1^st Position Non-Barre Condition (S1N). 

Results: Although data collection was completed, no statistical analysis was performed to date. Descriptive data from a pilot study are available below. The results presented in October will reflect the outcome of the above mentioned eight female participants. 

Conclusion: The RJM depicted an alternative strategy was being employed at the knee when a dancer utilizes a barre to perform a dégagé from 1^st position as compared to without a barre.  The results of this study will possibly lead to changes in the structure of a ballet barre in order to prevent injury and promote the longevity of a dancer?s career.