Higher Institute of Educational Sciences of the Douro and Research Center in Sports
Sciences, Health Sciences and Human development (CIDESD).
The aim of this study was to verify how dancers’ flexibility work has developed during
confinement through four assessment moments: before, during (two times), and after the lockdown
period. The sample was formed by 18 dancers from the Porto Dance Conservatory (Portugal) with an
average age of 11.4 1.4 years and 1.4 0.7 years of experience. To assess the passive and active
flexibility level, we used seven of the International Gymnastics Federation’s recommended tests using
main joints (i.e., hips and spine). The first evaluation was performed before the pandemic situation
began in a training environment, and the second and third evaluation were performed during the
lockdown, in home environment, and in virtual trainings. Finally, the last evaluation was carried
out in a training environment after returning to face-to-face activities and with several rules such a
social distancing and mask use. The results showed that significant improvements were verified in
the flexibility level of the dancers from the first to the fourth moment of evaluation. In the current
study, no statistical significance was noted for the decreased values of functional asymmetry between
the preferred and non-preferred lower limbs. These differences may have substantial relevance for
dancers’ harmonious body development.
