Update on inquiry process (week 3)

Changes in ‘search’ terms have enabled me to find many sources on or around my subject area. Due to the amount of information I continue to find I decided to write a research essay on these findings to allow me to easily look back.  This essay will be an ongoing process, which also allows me to put together my bibliography – which even now is proving very time consuming.

My current research and observations have confirmed my present thinking that the issue of achieving height above 90 degrees in a developpé in any position is due to lack of understanding of the muscle use, as discussed in my previous post. Although my inquiry is specifically on developpé devant, I believe the research I have looked at relating to  developpé a la seconde is also incredibly helpful.

The consensus of my research is that (along with other muscles) a weak Iliopsoas muscle is the common issue with the dancer being unable to achieve height in a developpé despite having the required flexibility.  

What/where is the Iliopsoas muscle?

The Iliopsoas is made up of two muscles: the psoas major and the Iliacus both of which belong to the group of muscles that make up the hip flexor.  In addition, the Iliopsoas also works as low back stabilisers and lateral thigh rotators and are located within the lower torso (abdomen).

Useful Links:

Here is a link to a useful website regarding the Iliopsoas (credit also goes to this website for the moving image on the left).

And here is a link to a youtube video, explaining the origin, insertion and function of the Iliopsoas. 

What muscles make up the hip flexors?

The muscles that make up the hip flexor are:

• Psoas Major

• Illiacus

• Rectus Femoris

• Sartorius

Some questions that came out of my research this week:

• What are the common exercises recommended to stretch and strengthen the Iliopsoas?
• Do I currently do anything in class that works this muscle? 
• If not, what can I do and where/how can I incorporate these exercises?
• How can I ensure my students are able to isolate, and in turn use this muscle?

References (specific to this particular blog)

Larsen, Amber. (2014). Everything you need to know about the Iliopsoas. Available: http://breakingmuscle.com/mobility-recovery/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-iliopsoas. Last accessed 14th October 2014.

Hub, Ken. (2014). Psoas Major Muscle - Origin, Insertion, Innervation & Action - Human Anatomy. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEmfYBOPojI. Last accessed 14th October 2014.

Acland, Robert. (2013). Hip Flexor Muscles. Available: https://aclandanatomy.com/abstract/4010411. Last accessed 12th October 2014.