Biomechanics-Integrated Training Improves Performance and Reduces Injury Risk in the Spinning Dragon Jump Dance Movement

HRMARS - Chinese Classical Dance training involves increasingly complex movements that impose substantial biomechanical stress, particularly during high-intensity rotational jumps. However, training practices remain largely traditional, with limited integration of scientific analysis, contributing to inefficiencies and a heightened risk of lower-extremity injuries. This study addresses this gap by integrating sports biomechanics into the training of the Spinning Dragon Jump, a technically demanding movement in Chinese Classical Dance. A mixed-method quasi-experimental design was employed with thirty dancers assigned to control, transition, and experimental groups. Quantitative measures included jump height, vertical ground reaction force (vGRF), time to stabilization (TTS), knee valgus angle, pain scores, and an injury risk index, collected using motion capture, electromyography (EMG), and pressure plate systems. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews. Results show that the biomechanics-based intervention significantly improved performance and reduced injury risk (p < 0.001). The experimental group demonstrated increased jump height, improved landing stability, reduced joint stress, and lower pain and injury indicators. EMG findings revealed enhanced neuromuscular coordination, while qualitative data indicated greater body awareness and a shift toward feedback-oriented training. This study offers both theoretical and practical contributions by advancing biomechanical applications in non-Western dance and providing an evidence-based training model that enhances performance and safety without compromising artistic integrity.