Journal of Dance Medicine & Science最新文献

Background: As dance medicine and science research paradigms expand, researchers are adopting interdisciplinary approaches which widen the research questions that are asked, how such research might be done, and the relevance that findings have for those working and participating in dance. There is growing momentum for critical discourse on the philosophical foundations of dance science, particularly in reflecting the embodied nature of dance practice in research methodologies. Purpose: In this paper, discussions on methodological rigour from dance for health research are extended to the broader field of dance science. By (re)centring research participants' bodies as sites of knowledge production in dance science research, prevailing notions of knowledge creation, ownership and applicability in dance science are challenged. Drawing on an interpretivist, feminist, ethnographic study of periodisation in tertiary vocational dance education, the largely positivist construction of knowledge about periodisation, and more broadly dance science, is disrupted. Conclusions: The discussion in this paper exemplifies how dance science research can embrace socially constructed, subjectivist research approaches whilst maintaining philosophical and methodological rigour. Tensions between positivist and non-positivist research paradigms are highlighted, using examples from periodisation research. Drawing on reflexive examples of researcher decision-making, this paper contributes to the paradigmatic critiques evident in recent dance science literature. The aim is to aid researchers' practical thinking in critically examining their assumptions and design choices when developing research projects. The paper advocates for coherent methodologies in qualitative dance science research which derive from thoroughly considered philosophical underpinnings.

Introduction: Research postulates that dance has the potential to encourage individual expression, develop interpersonal skills and reduce avoidance behaviours in autistic children. This study aimed to investigate the impact of South Asian Dance on engagement, independent movement and social skills in this population.

Methods: Fifteen autistic children (8.14 ± 1.14 years) from a special educational needs and disabilities school in London, UK, their parents and teachers participated in this collaborative, mixed methods study. Children participated in weekly dance classes throughout spring and summer terms. Data was collected via the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for parents and teachers and observational notes from dance artists.

Findings: Content analysis of observational notes suggested an improvement in focus and engagement for most learners alongside improvements in range of motion, independent movement and reduction of avoidance behaviours. SDQ results were similar to previous studies in autistic children and higher than general population normative data, particularly in hyperactivity and peer problems.

Conclusions: Due to the heterogeneity of results and children's experiences within the dance activity, broad assumptions about impact are difficult. Individual improvements were noted for many learners in engagement, independent movement, range of motion and co-ordination as well as a reduction in avoidance behaviours. This study adds to developing research into dance for autistic children, providing a unique focus on South Asian Dance forms which may provide a wealth of new creative movement vocabulary for teachers and parents.

Background: Fibromyalgia impacts physical and mental health, affecting movement and body awareness. Non-pharmacological treatments like physiotherapy-based dance exercise intervention (PBDEI) may improve symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of PBDEI as a non-pharmacological intervention for chronic pain, focusing on improving body awareness and reducing pain perception in patients with chronic conditions.

Methods: The study involved five women with fibromyalgia aged between 20 and 40 years, all with chronic pain in different body areas (e.g., back, head, right hemibody). Participants underwent a 4-week dance intervention, with 60-minute sessions focused on flexibility, body awareness, strength, and aerobic capacity. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) questionnaire for body awareness, the TSK scale for kinesophobia, and the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pain perception.

Results: Post-intervention results showed improvements in body awareness, with most participants demonstrating increased MAIA scores. Pain perception decreased by 40% to 60% across participants. However, no significant changes were observed in the TSK scores, indicating no reduction in kinesophobia.

Conclusions: PBDEI was found to be effective in improving body awareness and reducing pain perception in chronic pain patients. While it had a positive effect on pain, it did not significantly reduce kinesophobia. These findings suggest that dance may be a promising strategy in chronic pain management, offering benefits not only for pain relief but also for enhancing body awareness. Further research with larger sample sizes and extended intervention periods is recommended to confirm these results.

Introduction: This study applies bibliometric methods to analyse 853 papers on Latin dance in the field of sports, covering publications in the Web of Science database from 1989 to 2024. The aim was to identify development trends, research focuses, and collaboration patterns within this domain. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using quantitative indicators such as publication trends, country and institutional distributions, thematic clusters, and co-authorship networks. Data were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection, and analyses were performed using Bibliometrix. Results: The results indicate steady growth in this field, with the United States and the United Kingdom maintaining leading positions, while countries such as China and South Korea have shown rapid development in recent years. Research has mainly focused on 2 themes: dance therapy for psychological intervention and sports rehabilitation for elderly health, with recent extensions to topics such as Down syndrome intervention and cultural identity. Collaboration networks reveal a core-periphery structure centred on leading scholars, with limited participation from developing countries. Conclusions: Overall, Latin dance research has established a preliminary framework in health promotion and psychological healing, with growing global participation.Further work is required to strengthen cross-cultural perspectives, refine intervention mechanisms, and enhance international cooperation.

Introduction: Dancers are aesthetic athletes with high workloads similar to sport athletes. Wearable biosensors are used in athletics to assess workload and inform training decisions to optimize performance and reduce fatigue and injury risk. While workload monitoring methods in dancers have been systematically reviewed, limited research specifically examines using wearable biosensors for this purpose. Thus, this study aims to systematically review how wearable biosensors are used to monitor workload in dancers. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, 8 databases were searched by 2 authors. Articles were included if participants were current dancers, workload was assessed during dance activity by wearable biosensors, and published in English in a peer-reviewed journal. Dancer characteristics (age, sex, anthropometrics, years dancing, training level, dance style) and methods (sessions, variables, setting, biosensor) were extracted and synthesized in an Excel synthesis matrix. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklists were used to assess the risk of bias. Results: 35 of 119 potentially relevant studies were included. Heart rate (HR) monitors (25 studies) and accelerometers (12 studies) were primarily used. 24 studies (69%) examined only objective workload and 23 studies (66%) examined internal workload. The most common dependent variable was HR (25 studies). The duration of data collection ranged between 1 and 49 days, with 26% of studies (n = 9) using a single day. High-level (14 studies) female (74.7%; n = 1342) ballet dancers (45.7%; n = 16 studies) were most assessed. Risk of bias was fair-to-moderate across studies. Conclusions: This systematic review highlights 4 primary trends across previous literature assessing workload in dancers using wearable biosensors to inform future research. First, HR monitors, followed by accelerometers, are the most common wearable biosensors used to quantify workload in dancers. Second, most studies only evaluated objective physiological (internal) workload, primarily using HR variables. Third, data were primarily collected within a timeframe of 1 to 3 days. Finally, high-level female ballet dancers were predominantly assessed.

Objectives: To explore the perceptions of dancers and the supporting staff regarding the management of dancers' health in a professional ballet company. Methods: Twenty-two dancers, health team members, artistic staff and administrators were interviewed, focusing on what is a healthy dancer, as well as the challenges and facilitators to prevent and manage health within the company. Analysis was conducted using principles of Grounded Theory. Results: Participants mentioned that being a healthy dancer was based on three main concepts: (1) achieving a dynamic balance of load through self-implemented strategies, (2) receiving support from their team and (3) navigating the aspects inherent to the professional ballet context. Dancers had to maintain a dynamic balance where they would adapt their load according to a constant assessment of their state (ie, pain, fatigue) and situations (ie, casting, opportunities, career). This dynamic balance was impacted by the support dancers receive from their entourage. They needed to establish relationships built on trust to ensure efficient communication and collaboration. Once established, the dancers' entourage contributed to their assessment and the load adaptation strategies. The assessment and adaptation of load by dancers and the support provided were also influenced by contextual elements of ballet culture, including time and financial resources. Conclusion: To provide comprehensive care for dancers and maintain a dynamic balance, it is essential to empower dancers in their self-strategies through education and creating a positive work environment where open communication is encouraged.

Introduction: Breaking, also known as breakdancing, has evolved from street culture to a structured sport, debuting in the 2024 Olympics. Despite its popularity, limited data exists on injury prevalence, types, and risk factors associated with acute and overuse injuries sustained from breaking. While existing studies offer insights into common injury patterns, they provide limited analysis of the specific mechanisms behind these injuries. This overview aims to classify acute and overuse injuries in breaking, reviewing 50 years of literature to identify risk factors and high-risk movements. Methods: The overview followed a predefined protocol using the PICO framework and was registered at OSF, targeting case reports and letters to the editor involving breakers. Databases searched included PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, and EBSCO, covering literature from the 1970s to December 2023. Inclusion criteria were strictly case reports and letters to the editor that focused on injuries sustained from breaking. Results: A total of 41 papers were selected for inclusion after screening, reading and data extraction. Among these, 36 papers were reviewed in detail, encompassing acute and overuse injuries. The reported injuries involve high-impact movements, particularly affecting the upper extremities, head, neck, and back during spins, balancing, landing, and sliding. Acute injuries included fractures and dislocations, while chronic conditions involved soft tissue injuries, stress fractures, and nerve compressions. Risk factors identified in case reports included the lack of training supervision and specific breaking maneuvers like flips, spins, and balancing acts. Conclusion: This is the first overview of case reports and letters to the editor that categorizes breaking injuries based on these types of papers. It demonstrates the value of detailed medical diagnoses and standardized injury classification compared to self-reported injury data commonly found in surveys. Gaining a deeper understanding of injury mechanisms and risk factors could help promote safer practices as breaking continues to evolve as a competitive sport.

Introduction: Breaking has been included in the 2024 Olympic Games; however, research on the training and injuries of professional breakers remains limited. This study examines the profiles of competitive breakers within national squads worldwide, focusing on the defining characteristics of professional breakers qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics regarding their training patterns, mental health, and injury characteristics. Methods: Sixty-four professional breakers, 27 males and 37 females, with a mean age of 26.4 ± 4.6 years from 43 national squads participated in this study (n = 17 elite athletes ranked from 1 to 64 in the 2023 Olympic ranking; n = 30 developing athletes ranked from 65 to 600; n = 17 non-ranked athletes as they did not participate in Olympic qualification competitions after that). They completed a questionnaire regarding their training and competition habits, their mental health, and the injuries sustained from breaking. ANOVAs with post-hoc comparisons were utilized to identify group differences based on the independent variables of elite level and sex. Multinomial logistic regression models examined associations between Olympic ranking and training parameters, mental health, and injuries. Results: Elite athletes participated in more competitions than developing athletes (F(2,56) = 6.86, P = .002, ${\eta }_p^2$ = .20). Athletes across all groups experienced injuries in the previous 12 months, with muscle and joint injuries being the most frequently reported. Performing in the elite athletes' group in 2023 was significantly positively associated with the onset of breaking (OR 1.38), body conditioning (OR 2.18), and a Top 32 ranking in 2021 (OR 62.1) and significantly negatively associated with endurance training (OR 0.264), and body weight (OR 62.1). Conclusion: These findings provide insights into the profile of professional breakers qualifying for the Olympic Games, which are essential for optimizing performance, promoting health, and supporting the rapid development of this Olympic dance style.

Introduction: The purpose of this research was to compare body composition, aerobic, and anaerobic capacity values in different dance styles and gain insight into the relationships between body composition and physiological capacity in dancers.

Method: A total of 46 collegiate dancers including 10 Ballet (Male 5, Female 5), 22 Chinese Classical Dance (Male 12, Female 10), and 14 Chinese Folk Dance (Male 7, Female 7) performed body composition, aerobic, and anaerobic capacity tests. Body composition was measured by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; aerobic capacity was measured during an incremental treadmill test until exhaustion; anaerobic capacity was measured by using the standard Wingate Anaerobic Test. The independent t-test, one-way ANOVA and multiple linear stepwise regression analysis were performed.

Results: In three dance styles, male dancers presented more FFM, better aerobic and anaerobic capacity than female dancers. Female Chinese Folk dancers had higher body fat percentage and lower relative V̇O_2peak than female Ballet dancers (both P < .05). Male Chinese Folk dancers presented less FFM and absolute V̇O_2peak than male Chinese Classical dancers (both P < .05). The V̇O_2peak of Ballet dancers were similar to Chinese Classical dancers in both females and males. Anaerobic values of female Chinese Classical dancers were significantly higher than female Ballet dancers. No significant differences were found in anaerobic values of male dancers between three dance styles. Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis revealed FFM was the significant predictor of V̇O_2peak (L·min^-1), peak power (W), and average power (W) for both females and males across all three dance styles.

Conclusions: The present study concluded that Chinese Folk dancers demonstrated the poorest aerobic capacity, Chinese Classical dancers demonstrated similar aerobic capacity to Ballet dancers, and Chinese Classical dancers demonstrated the best anaerobic capacity. It is suggested that dancers may benefit from maintaining relatively higher FFM for physical fitness, injury prevention and dance performance.

Introduction: Falls are a serious health concern with severe consequences in older adults. Various physical and cognitive functions are related to falls in older adults. Although studies have indicated that well-controlled ballet-based interventions could lead to physical and cognitive improvements in older adults, it remains unknown if and how recreational ballet practice in an unstandardized environment could also reap health benefits. This cross-sectional study examined the fall risk among recreational older ballet dancers relative to their non-dancer counterparts. Methods: Forty-three older adults aged 55 and older were recruited: 20 ballet dancers and 23 age- and sex-matched non-dancers. Fall risk was assessed through fall history (over the previous 12 months), physical function (Five-Time Sit-to-Stand test, Timed-Up-and-Go test, leg muscle strength, and physical activity level), and cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment). Results: The retrospective falls were similar between groups (P = 0.704). However, dancers were faster than non-dancers to perform the Five-Time Sit-to-Stand (P < 0.001) and Timed-Up-and-Go (P = 0.003) tests. They also exhibited stronger knee extensors (P = 0.010) and ankle plantarflexors (P = 0.031) than non-dancers. Dancers were more physically active (P < 0.001). No group difference was detected for cognition score (P = 0.205). Conclusions: The results suggest that older adults who practice ballet recreationally show better dynamic balance with stronger and more powerful leg muscles compared to non-dancers. Dancers were also more physically active than non-dancers. The findings augment our understanding of ballet's effects on improving physical functions in different environments and could help apply ballet as an intervention to prevent falls in older adults.