Elif Esma BAYRAKTAR, Büşra HUSSAIN, Gizem Türker ÇATAL, Beyza KARADUMAN, Begüm Türker ACU, Gamze ŞAHİN
Anatolian Current Medical Journal - 2026;8(5):1021-1028
Aims: To compare segment-specific sagittal spinal alignment, thoracic and lumbar mobility, current pain, and bioelectrical impedance-derived body composition between female amateur Latin-dance performers and non-dancing healthy female. Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study included 31 female: 15 amateur Latin-dance performers and 16 non-dancing controls. Current pain was assessed using the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire, body composition using bioelectrical impedance analysis, sagittal inclination at T1, T3, T12, and L5-S1 using a smartphone-based inclinometer application, and thoracic and lumbar mobility using the Otto and Schober tests, respectively. Between-group differences were reported with 95% confidence intervals and effect sizes. Sagittal-inclination outcomes were additionally examined using BMI-adjusted linear regression and sensitivity analyses. Results: Unadjusted T1 and T3 inclination angles were lower in dancers. After BMI adjustment, the T1 difference remained (beta=-6.10 derece; 95% CI, -11.49 to -0.71; p=0.028), whereas the T3 estimate was attenuated (beta=-3.38 derece; 95% CI, -8.00 to 1.24; p=0.146). Additional adjustment for dominant lower-limb length increased the uncertainty of the T1 estimate. Dancers had lower body fat and visceral fat and higher total body water. Thoracic mobility was similar between groups, while the lumbar-mobility estimate was imprecise. Sensory and total pain-rating-index scores were statistically higher in dancers but low in absolute terms. Conclusion: Female amateur Latin-dance performers and non-dancing female differed in selected sagittal-posture and body-composition measures. The most consistent posture difference was observed at T1. Pain findings were of uncertain clinical importance. These cross-sectional findings do not establish effects of dance participation.
