Investigating the Complex Relationship Between Movement Competency Scores,Hip Mobility,Strength,and Turnout Measures in Collegiate Dancers

Abstract

Introduction: Turnout, or external rotation, is a fundamental movement pattern in dance and has been associated with injury risk. While previous research has examined the relationship between turnout and range of motion (ROM) while other contributing factors such as strength and movement competency have been largely overlooked. This study aimed to explore the relationships between functional turnout measurements and movement competency screen (MCS) scores, passive hip external rotation (PER) and external rotation strength in collegiate dancers. Understanding these relationships is crucial for optimizing training and reducing injury risk in dancers. Methods: Twenty-one undergraduate dance majors participated in a cross-sectional study assessing PER, strength, movement competency (MCS) and turnout in a single session. Turnout was assessed statically (Static Functional Turnout, SFT) and dynamically (Dynamic Functional Turnout, DFT), in both first and fifth positions. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics v27.0.1.0, with Pearson correlations used to examine the relationships between variables. Results: No statistically significant relationships were found between individual turnout measurements and MCS scores. Most participants (n = 18) exhibited greater SFT than their available PER, suggesting that turnout was achieved through movement at joints other than the hips. These dancers had lower PER and hip external rotation strength compared to those whose SFT was less than their PER. The extent to which dancers exceeded their PER during SFT had a moderate to good negative correlation with MCS scores (R = −.555, P = .017). This suggests that dancers who generate turnout beyond their passive hip mobility have lower movement competency. Conclusion: Turnout execution in dancers varies widely and does not consistently correlate with hip external rotation strength, ROM, or movement competency scores. However, dancers who exceed their available PER during the SFT demonstrate lower movement competency, suggesting that motor control may be an important factor in turnout execution.