The travelling dancer: The exploration of strength and conditioning and lifestyle strategies to mitigate the risk of posterior ankle impingement whilst dancing abroad

Ballet dancers commonly experience posterior ankle impingement (PAI), and while there is research regarding the biomechanical risk factors for PAI in ballet dancers, and mitigation and rehabilitation strategies for this type of injury, there is little research conducted surrounding further barriers posed by international travel. This study investigated the implications of international travel on the risk mitigation and rehabilitation of posterior ankle impingement in ballet dancers, exploring barriers posed by international travel to regular strength and conditioning and lifestyle practices. Three ballet dancers and two physiotherapists were interviewed and shared their lived experience with, or treating, posterior ankle impingement in dancers. Thematic analysis was employed to identify common themes within the data collected. Interpretation of the data via critical friends then allowed for suggestions of adaptations to regular practices to assist mitigation of injury risk and treatment of PAI in dancers who are travelling abroad. International travel poses unique difficulties for PAI management and rehabilitation in ballet dancers, but adaptations to strength and conditioning and self-care practices could aid in the continuation of risk mitigation and support injury rehabilitation in dancers who are overseas. Key themes identified included the effect of a change of environment and access to regular selfcare practices. Established in these findings is the importance of education for dancers regarding injury management and mitigation to maintain ankle health whilst dancing overseas.