Improvement of Spinal Flexibility and Low Back Pain in Belly Dancers.

Background

Belly Dance, also known as Oriental Dance, is growing in popularity as a form of physical activity and health promotion. Characterised by torso-driven movement, this dance style engages the spine and pelvis through refined and controlled motion, relying heavily on musculoskeletal function.

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the effects of static and dynamic stretching on spinal flexibility in dancers, focusing on four primary spinal movements: flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral flexion.

Methods

Seventy-six participants were recruited and randomly assigned to one of three groups: static stretching, dynamic stretching, or control. The stretching groups followed a prescribed routine three times per week. Flexibility was assessed before and after the intervention. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25, including descriptive statistics, tests for normality, non-parametric analysis, and post hoc comparisons.

Results

Both static and dynamic stretching interventions resulted in improvements in spinal flexibility across all four movement types. The control group showed no significant changes.

Conclusion

Targeted stretching may enhance technique, reduce lower back pain, and improve performance in Belly Dancers by increasing spinal flexibility. These findings highlight the value of integrating structured flexibility training in dance practice and support the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration with healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists and exercise physiologist (also known as biokineticists in South Africa).