Background: This study aimed to assess if self-myofascial release (SMFR) applied at a maximal tolerable pressure on the plantar flexors affects single-leg static and dynamic balance tasks in ballet dancers. The demands of ballet require an ability to perform complex and occasionally high-injury-risk movements with exceptional postural control and aesthetic quality. A high prevalence of ballet-related injury occurs due to falls and faulty mechanics during jump landings, which can negatively impact a ballet dancer’s career longevity. SMFR is widespread among sporting settings for its notable benefits for pain and flexibility. However, more research is needed to explore its influence on balance. This research aims to provide further knowledge towards the understanding of SMFR and investigate if this could be useful for ballet dancers to enhance their balance performance during ballet-specific static and dynamic tasks. Participants: Eight uninjured female ballet dancers (21.4 ± 1.14 years; 168.9 ± 16 cm; 61 ± 9 kg) from the University of Lincoln with a minimum of 2 years ballet experience completed the study. Protocol: Ballet dancers visited the laboratory on two randomised occasions to receive SMFR or control conditions before three trials of a dynamic balance task and three trials of a static balance task. The static balance task was a 30s passé, and the dynamic balance task was a drop landing into arabesque. Centre of pressure (COP) coordinates and force data were obtained from Force Plates, and this data was examined to assess the ballet dancers’ balance abilities during the balance tasks. Results: Paired T-tests were used to determine any significant changes in balance ability between the SMFR group and control group and a p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Paired T-tests for the static 30s passé revealed no statistically significant reduction in COPAP or CEarea after SMFR, however statistically significant reductions in COPML were found after SMFR. Paired T-tests for the drop landing into arabesque after SMFR revealed no statistically significant reductions in TTS, COPPL, COPAP, Fzpeak, nFz, and RFD, however statistically significant reductions in nRFD were found. Conclusion: Plantar flexor SMFR showed improvements for ballet dancers’ balance during static and dynamic balance tasks. Notably, significant reductions were found for COPML during the 30s passé and nRFD for the drop landing into arabesque. Therefore, plantar flexor SMFR is recommended to ballet dancers prior to ballet performance to enhance balance ability.
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