Training Development in Dance: Enhancing Precision Through Motion Capture and a Virtual Environment for Injury Prevention

Traditional training methods in dance, especially competitive ballet, face challenges due to the intricate movements and high injury risk associated with joints. Young athletes, aged 10–19, undergo intense physical training leading to overuse injuries, mainly in the foot and ankle. Intrinsic factors like skeletal development and extrinsic factors like incorrect techniques contribute to these injuries. To address this, extended warm-up and cool-down phases are crucial. The field of dance biomechanics and joint kinematics has been limited by traditional methods, prompting a shift towards 3D motion capture systems. These technologies, derived from the film industry, precisely analyze dance movements and prevent injuries. However, traditional methods often lack precision and objective assessment. Integration of motion capture allows for accurate evaluation, ensuring training aligns with international dance sport competition standards. This study analyzes how ballet training can be improved using motion capture to optimize the execution of ballet positions. It explains why dancers, especially ballet dancers, are often susceptible to injuries and how these can be better prevented through angle measurements. A preliminary test demonstrates how ballet movements can be measured and improved. Additionally, some examples from the literature are cited, where similar analyses have been conducted. It turns out that both rotational angles and joint angles are measures that can enhance the execution of the positions. Future research should expand on this training method by incorporating the use of Virtual Reality.