%0 Journal Article %A V. Anbarasi and David V Rajan and K. Adalarasu %D 2012 %J International Journal of Medical and Health Sciences %B World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology %I Open Science Index 66, 2012 %T Analysis of Lower Extremity Muscle Flexibility among Indian Classical Bharathnatyam Dancers %U https://publications.waset.org/pdf/17 %V 66 %X Musculoskeletal problems are common in high performance dance population. This study attempts to identify lower extremity muscle flexibility parameters prevailing among bharatanatyam dancers and analyze if there is any significant difference exist between normal and injured dancers in flexibility parameters. Four hundred and one female dancers and 17 male dancers were participated in this study. Flexibility parameters (hamstring tightness, hip internal and external rotation and tendoachilles in supine and sitting posture) were measured using goniometer. Results of our study it is evident that injured female bharathnatyam dancers had significantly (p < 0.05) high hamstring tightness on left side lower extremity compared to normal female dancers. The range of motion for left tendoachilles was significantly (p < 0.05) high for the normal female group when compared to injured dancers during supine lying posture. Majority of the injured dancers had high hamstring tightness that could be a possible reason for pain and MSDs. %P 225 - 230