Kinematic Changes in a Dance Jump Landing Due to Different Shoes

The landing mechanisms of a basic dance jump, known as a sauté, have not been fully explored and the effect of shoe design on landing mechanisms is unknown. This study used 3D motion analysis to explore sagittal plane kinematic differences in a dance jump landing as a result of wearing jazz shoes. Jazz shoe design significantly affected metatarsophalangeal and midfoot motion, suggesting a reduced capacity for impact attenuation through eccentric control and passive means. Greater ankle dorsiflexion was found in all shoes compared to barefoot. No significant difference was found for knee flexion, although the large peak knee flexion angle in all shoe conditions was identified as a potential injury risk factor. No significant affect of the jazz shoes was found at the hip. Further exploration of the kinetic differences will shed light on the landing strategies utilized by dancers to reduce impact on the lower limb.