Repercussões da prática do ballet clássico no crescimento e desenvolvimento na infância e adolescência

Abstract

The child's growth and development are subject to many influences, from heredity or environment and these aspects interact in a complex way. The practice of dance optimizes motor control, coordination of movements, balance and ability to move, developing specific dynamic posture strategies. But the changes that the practice of the Ballet provides to the body of the child and the adolescent need to be better studied. The aim of the present study was to compare the functional performance in everyday tasks and the body composition of practioners and non-practioners of classical Ballet girls and to analyze how the practice of this activity at a vocational level can influence plantar pressures and postural stability, besides to see if the vision and posture of the upper limbs can interfere with this result. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 111 girls from 10 to 15 years old, practioners (n = 56) and non- ballet practitioners (n = 55). The evaluations were: anthropometric examination, structured interview, Tanner test for sexual maturation, functional evaluation (Timed Up and Go tests, Sit and Lift and 6 Minute Walk Test) and analysis of plantar pressures and postural stability, in a baropodometry platform, in three different conditions: with eyes open and arms along the body (EOAAB), with eyes closed with arms along the body (ECAAB), and with eyes open and arms outstretched (EOAO). Data analysis was performed using group comparison, correlation and regression tests. Participants differed in mean weight, body mass index, fat percentage, anthropometric measures, sexual maturation of the breasts, socioeconomic condition and parents' schooling. In the comparison of the results of the tests, it was verified that the Ballet practitioners had better functional performance, performed lower weight discharge in the E forefoot, presented lower values of maximum pressure and plantar surface area in all evaluated conditions and had smaller displacements. It was also observed that they were more influenced by the vision and positioning of the upper limbs than the group of non-practitioners of Ballet, and that the dance time interfered in order to modify the results found. It is concluded that the vocational practice of ballet may improve physical fitness and motor development in functional activities of daily life. In addition ballet, in combination with other factors, such as weight control and selection to enter in dancer‟s companies, may contribute to delayin the development of breasts and bone maturation. The results also demonstrate that this practice influences specific characteristics of plantar pressures and visual and motor dependence in relation to the upper limbs, in order to develop specific motor strategies of corporal adaptation.