Date of Award
Summer 8-28-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Kinesiology (PhD)
Department
Kinesiology
Abstract
Objective: This empirical study was designed to compare the effectiveness of a structured strength training program to a skill-based conditioning program, enhancing ballet-specific movement efficiency. The selected parameters include hip external rotation, hip hyperextension strength, single leg jump height, dynamic balance, and technique proficiency. Methodology: Participants (n=10) were randomly assigned to a six-week intervention: Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) or Weight Training (WT). Data was collected from the following assessments at baseline and collected again following the six-week intervention:single-leg jump height (JH), single-leg center of pressure (COP) landing deviations, dance- specific star balance excursion test (dsSEBT), hip external rotation (HER), hip hyperextension strength (HES). Participants also participated in a technique performance assessment (TPA) evaluated by qualified external examiners. Rater scores were averaged over both assessments: adagio (slow, sustained movements), petit allegro (quick, fast movements). Results: TPA: The PBT group had nonsignificant (p=0.098) improvements for the adagio (pre: 4.80±1.33; post: 5.26±1.33) and petit allegro (p=0.874) assessment scores (pre: 4.63±1.65; post: 4.77±2.16). The WT Adagio also had nonsignificant (p=0.319) improvement for the adagio (pre:5.66±0.95; post: 6.26±1.00), and significant (p=0.018) petit allegro scores (pre: 5.17±1.62, post: 6.78±1.15). Further analysis and discussions of these results can be found in the full text. Conclusion: These investigations showed that while neither group proved statistically superior, Weight Training (WT) may be favorable due to the all-around potential benefits. Dynamic balance improvements may have a relationship with adagio skills. Still, the small intervention groups and six-week duration may not have demonstrated the full capacity of either intervention.