Ground Reaction Force and Kinematic Characteristics of Pirouette in Ballet in Flat Shoes versus Pointe Shoes

The purpose of this study was to investigate the ground reaction force and kinematic variables in the ballet single turn called pirouette in both flat shoes and pointe shoes by skilled professional ballet dancers. Kinematic parameters of both legs and ground reaction force were obtained from eight skilled ballet dancers through a threedimensional motion analysis. We found significant increased ground reaction force and significant increased range of motion for both legs only for hip joint in pointe shoes, while angular velocity of hip, knee and ankle joint in pointe shoes were significantly greater in pointe shoes than those in flat shoes. From the results of this study, it is indicated that performing a single pirouette in pointe shoes would increase in ground reaction force associated with greater joint range of motion and angular velocity of lower extremity.