Gait kinematics of bharatanatyam dancers with low back pain

A recent survey in India reported a point prevalence of 43.5% low back pain among dancers amongst which a large majority were Indian classical dancers namely, Bharatanatyam. In an attempt to explore the source of low back pain, 7 Bharatanatyam dancers presenting with low back pain during walking were studied to record gait kinematics using Vicon 3-D motion analysis system and compared with 10 Bharatanatyam dancers without low back pain. Consistent dance training over 12 years reflected in altered joint kinematics of spine and pelvis. Dancers with low back pain presented 16% increased spine extension, 35% increased anterior pelvic tilt, 56% reduced pelvic obliquity and 30% reduced pelvic rotation compared to dancers without low-back pain. Implementation of a specific exercise program designed to neutralize excess deviations at pelvis and spine may result in strength and conditioning effects which are likely to safeguard low back.