The dip element of the Vogue Femme dance: knee joint kinesiological analysis

Abstract

The Vogue Femme dance emerged in the 1980s in New York. From the five elements of this dance, the dip is the most emblematic one. The objective of this research was to analyze the knee joint during the execution of the dip element trough a qualitative kinesiological analysis to determine the primary muscles involved. This is a descriptive-explanatory single case study that analyzed a Vogue Femme dancer. A 2D analysis was conducted using a GoPro HERO 7 Black (1920x1080p – 60 fps). White markers were positioned in the anatomic points of the lower limbs. The element was divided into four phases and analyzed in the coronal plane. The Kinovea software version 0.9.4 was used to determine the joint angles trough the goniometer tool. The primary group of muscles responsible for the execution of the dip is the quadriceps femoris. It was observed an eccentric contraction of the primary muscles during phases two and three. In phase four, it was observed a concentric contraction of the quadriceps femoris in the extension of the left knee, while the right knee muscles kept an eccentric contraction. An average of 26/28/29º was detected on the right knee in phases two, three and four respectively. Those angles indicate the possibility of a medial rotation of the right knee, which could lead to an injury in the menisci due to the pressure applied to the cartilages. To avoid the medial rotation of the knee, it is suggested to execute the dip element with the foot right under the hip. The kinesiological analysis is an easy and accessible tool to understand the execution of the movements and this is the first study to propose such an approach.