Posted by: IADMS Promotion Committee

We are happy to introduce Yiannis Koutedakis, a name those in the dance medicine and science field will recognize as having published some of the seminal work on dance science! We are looking forward to what I'm sure will be a phenomenal keynote lecture this October in Helsinki!

1. Could you tell us about your presentation theme at the 28th IADMS Annual Conference (#IADMS2018)?

It is about bone status with focus on osteoporosis in men and women dancers. In general, osteoporosis is a bone disease caused when bone resorption exceeds bone formation. The result of this bone remodeling imbalance is reduced bone mass and strength, changes in the microarchitecture of bone tissue, and increased fracture risk. Most affected anatomical sites: lumbar spine, femur and forearm.

2. Why is it import to discuss this topic with the IADMS community? What are the implications of this topic to the dance sector/dance health professionals?

It is important because:

1. the question of whether exposure to intensive dance training at young age may lead to long-term nutritional and metabolic health consequences remains unanswered
2. the incidence of and risks factors for disordered eating and low bone mineral density in dancers have not been adequately described or examined
3. Genetic variants at the Wnt/β-catenin and ER signalling pathways are potential risk factors for low BMD in dancers

Implications: to reconsider selection (audition) procedures

3. What are your thoughts on IADMS relevance for your field of work?

I have been involved in dance-science research for the last 25 years!

4. Personally, what is the importance of attending to IADMS annual conferences?

I haven’t been in an IADMS conference for a number of years!

5. What do you think you are most looking forward to on this year’s conference?

To meet old colleagues and friends and discuss aspects related to dance science in a friendly environment.