Grouping dancers by physical maturity rather than age could better equip late-maturing girls to deal with intense trainingGrouping young ballet dancers by their developmental rather than chronological age could help lower their risk of injury,a study has suggested. The technique, known as bio-banding, or is growing in prominence for other sports,including football and rugby. Researchers from Bath and Bristol universities said the current practices for grouping and evaluating young dancers could be counterproductive. The work, which focused on girls, or suggests that the late-maturing are potentially placed at a meaningful disadvantage during essential phases of their development and at a greater risk of injury. Ballet teachers have a pivotal role at this time,and further education regarding the implications of puberty upon dance training may be helpful, the researchers said. Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com