In this episode (Part 2 of 3), we dive into the pilot study I conducted on fall prevention in professional ballet dancers.

We explore:

• How ballet dancers respond to unexpected standing slips
• Differences between dancers and non-dancers in balance, trunk control, and recovery steps
• What a pilot study is and why it’s important for larger research
• How ballet training may enhance reactive balance and reduce fall risk

This research provides early evidence that ballet training strengthens stability, trunk control, and adaptive balance responses, which could benefit anyone at risk of falls, including older adults.

Publications discussed in this episode:

• Simpkins, C., Ahn, J., Shin, S., & Yang, F. (2022). Recovery from an unexpected standing-slip in professional ballet dancers. Journal of Biomechanics, 145, 111366.
• Simpkins, C., & Yang, F. (2023). Adaptation to repeated standing-slips in professional ballet dancers. Journal of biomechanics, 152, 111572.

Watch this episode on YouTube

Logo Photo: Richard Calmes