Efficacy of Comprehensive Foot Strengthening Program on Foot Biomechanics and Plantar Pressure to Reduce Lower Limb Injury Risk in Male Bhangra Dancers: A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol.

Background: Bhangra dance is vibrant and energy demanding art form involving dynamic footwork, jumps, kicks and rapid movements. Poor biomechanics and uneven plantar pressure is a crucial factor for injury among dancers thus, this study protocol aimed at evaluating the efficacy of comprehensive foot strengthening program in improving faulty foot biomechanics and plantar pressure distribution to reduce the risk of lower limb injuries among male Bhangra dancers.

Methods: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be performed. One hundred forty professional dancers will be recruited for this study based on G* power calculations. Seventy participants will be randomly allocated to the experimental group, undergoing a structured intrinsic foot strengthening program (IFSP; 12 weeks, 5 days/week, 30-60 minutes, mild-severe intensity). Seventy participants will be allocated to the waitlist control group, which will follow their exercise regime and dance training (randomization 1:1 ratio). Outcome measures to assess biomechanical characteristics of the foot and plantar pressure distribution will be foot posture index, navicular drop test, feiss line, arch height index, foot print parameters (Clark's Angle, Chippaux-Smirak Index, Staheli Index), and baropodometer at baseline (0 week), and at the end of the exercise program (after 12th week). Injury incidence and type will also be recorded using a self-designed questionnaire.

Discussion: This study aims at evaluating the efficacy of comprehensive foot strengthening program in improving foot biomechanics and plantar pressure distribution to reduce the risk of lower limb injuries among male Bhangra dancers. The findings of this RCT will have implications for dance training protocols and injury prevention strategies.

Trial Status: Recruitment has not yet started.