Adaptive Mechanisms of Foot Function and Control Induced by Dance Training

Abstract

This study explored the adaptive remodeling of the foot’s neuro-biomechanical system induced by dance training. A multimodal function-and-control framework was established, integrating kinematic and kinetic analyses, electromyographic synergy modeling, and finite element simulation to reveal adaptive changes from multiple perspectives. The results showed that Latin dancers exhibited greater ankle and metatarsophalangeal flexion angles and joint moments but lower angular velocities during landing, indicating a more efficient energy absorption and release mechanism. Their muscular synergy patterns were activated earlier and in a more compact manner. Finite element analysis revealed higher stress concentrations in the first and second metatarsals and phalanges, suggesting adaptive changes in load transmission. These findings demonstrate that dance training can induce a feedforward-driven, multilevel coupling mechanism that enhances coordination among neural control, mechanical output, and structural remodeling, thereby improving impact absorption and postural stability. This study reveals the hierarchical plasticity of the neuro-biomechanical system during complex skill learning and provides new perspectives for the development of precision training, injury prevention, and rehabilitation strategies.

Received: 17 November 2025 | Revised: 4 February 2026 | Accepted: 2 March 2026

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to this work.

Data Availability Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in Figshare at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.31333936.

Author Contribution Statement

Xiangli Gao: Conceptualization, Methodology, Software, Validation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Resources, Data curation, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing, Visualization. Datao Xu: Methodology, Resources. Minjun Liang: Methodology, Resources. Zanni Zhang: Investigation, Data curation. Tianle Jie: Investigation, Data curation. Huiyu Zhou: Methodology. Jingyi Ye: Methodology. Zsolt Radak: Supervision. Yaodong Gu: Supervision, Project administration, Funding acquisition.