Abstract
Dance requires optimal range-of-motion and cognitive abilities. Mental imagery is a recommended, yet under-researched, training method for enhancing both of these. This study investigated the effect of Dynamic Neuro-Cognitive Imagery (DNITM) training on developpé performance (measured by gesturing ankle height and self-reported observations) and kinematics (measured by hip and pelvic range-of-motion), as well as on dance imagery abilities. Thirty-four university-level dance students (M age = 19.70 ± 1.57) were measured performing three developpé tasks (i.e., 4 repetitions, 8 consecutive seconds hold, and single repetition) at three time-points (2 × pre-, 1 × post-intervention). Data were collected using three-dimensional motion capture, mental imagery questionnaires, and subjective reports. Following the DNITM intervention, significant increases (p < 0.01) were detected in gesturing ankle height, as well as in hip flexion and abduction range-of-motion, without significant changes in pelvic alignment. These gains were accompanied by self-reported decrease (p < 0.05) in level of difficulty experienced and significant improvements in kinesthetic (p < 0.05) and dance (p < 0.01) imagery abilities. This study provides evidence for the motor and non-motor benefits of DNITM training in university-level dance students.
Highlights
Dance is an art combining physical, cognitive, and social skills
Effect of Dynamic Neuro-Cognitive Imagery (DNITM) on Developpé increasing hip joint range of motion (ROM) is considered of high importance (Bennell et al, 1999, 2001; Deighan, 2005; Bronner and Ojofeitimi, 2006, 2011; Debarnot et al, 2014)
The high retention and adherence rates (97.05% and 100%, respectively) are similar to those previously reported for a motor imagery intervention in adolescent dance students (96.00% and 93.04% for retention and adherence, respectively) (Abraham et al, 2017) and suggest that this intervention was of interest for the participants
Summary
Dance is an art combining physical, cognitive, and social skills. Technical mastery and physiological elements such as range of motion (ROM) are necessary for dancers to achieve artistic and aesthetic competence (Deighan, 2005; Brown et al, 2007; Angioi et al, 2009). Effect of DNITM on Developpé increasing hip joint ROM is considered of high importance (Bennell et al, 1999, 2001; Deighan, 2005; Bronner and Ojofeitimi, 2006, 2011; Debarnot et al, 2014) Psychologicalcognitive elements such as body-awareness, concentration, and self-confidence have been suggested to be relevant for enhancing dance performance and ROM (Franklin, 2014, 2019; Fish et al, 2004; Mainwaring and Krasnow, 2010; Abraham et al, 2016, 2017). Proprioceptive awareness has been suggested as an important factor for dance motor skill (Gamboian et al, 2000; Kiefer et al, 2013)
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