Lower limb kinematics study on female Latin shoes of different heel heights

Latin dance is a highly competitive dance. In order to interpret the dance, dancers not only need to obtain basic skills to dance and a deep understanding of music and rhythm, but also need a good technique and performance of various skilled movements. The purpose of this study was to investigate the change of lower limb kinematics while dancing in Latin shoes of different heel heights. Eighteen professional female Latin dancers participated in this research. A Vicon eight-camera 3D motion analysis system was used to capture and analyse motion and joint angle of the hip, knee and ankle. The results showed that joint angle increased with the increase of Latin shoes' heel heights. The result of this situation is joint injuries of the lower limbs, especially the knee. This finding might be of practical importance for Latin shoe designing. To maintain and even improve dancing performance and prevent joint injuries, dancers should choose appropriate Latin shoes.