Risks and consequences of an incorrect en-dehors position – a descriptive investigation among high level gymnasts in Rhythmic Gymnastics

Most sports involving choreographic and technical aspects use the basic techniques of Classical Ballet. The immediate benefits of a serious and regular study of this method are: the improvement of muscle tone and elasticity; a greater control of the agonist and antagonist muscle groups and a greater freedom of movement. Rhythmic Gymnastics is a sport discipline in which choreography plays a major role, on the side of a physical preparation and technical training. It is therefore necessary to carefully consider the risks that young gymnasts can encounter, such as injuries resulting from an incorrect en-dehors position (C.B. Gilbert et al., 1998). The en-dehors or ‘turn out’, a fundamental position of all basic C.B. exercises, is an outward rotation of the leg. A correct execution of this position depends upon the correct outward opening of the hip joint which must be in line with the knee joint, the ankle joint and foot. Thank to this position, the great trochanter of the femur can recede, avoiding contact with the edge of the acetabulum, when the gymnast has to lift her leg up (L.Saboe et al.,1987). If the outward rotation is forced beyond the anatomical limits, it can result in serious injury to the knee joint. The most common consequences are disorders that are not always diagnosed and treated correctly (J.A.Copelan, 2002). The most frequent are: hypertrophy of tensor fasciae latae - the adductor muscles are less developed and the lateral muscles must sustain the greatest work load; Chondromalacia Patellae - an alteration of joint cartilage on the posterior surface of the patella; hip disorder - the hypertrophy of ileo-femoral ligaments, or the small tensor fasciae latae muscle (P. Raimondi et al., 2003).