How Does the Age Dancers Began Pointe Affect Bone Density?
Abstract:
Low bone mineral density (or BMD) can have adverse effects on a dancer’s ability to perform. Dancers with low BMD are vulnerable to fracture and injury because of the strain on their bodies from wearing pointe shoes. Participating in bone loading activities in childhood tends to correlate to healthier bones later in life.
A DXA scan machine was used to take bone mass density measurements. Each participant’s height and weight were measured on site in the lab, and they were assigned an individual study identifier code in order to maintain privacy and a blinded assessment of each image or scan conducted. Total BMD of the participants were determined using Encore software version 17. The data regarding the age the participants began dancing and starting pointe was collected through a survey.
There was not a significant effect of the age participants started dancing(p=-0.2958) or pointe(p=-0.3033) on BMD. Average weight was a significant effect or independent variable in the analysis p=(0.0269). This lends confidence to the data because weight should have an effect on BMD. As mass increases, BMD should also.
Although there was not a significant effect of age beginning dancing or pointe on BMD, it was weakly negatively correlated. The vast majority of the dancers were in a normal zone for BMD for their weight. More research should be done to conclude if this is a significant trend over a larger population. Further investigation of variables throughout the lifespan could have additional effects, as women pass their peak BMD.