Motor Imagery Practice for Enhancing Elevé Performance Among Professional Dancers: A Pilot Study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Eleve is a core dance movement requiring the greatest ankle plantarflexion (PF) range of motion (ROM). One possible way to enhance eleve performance is by using motor imagery practice (MIP). The aims of this pilot study were to investigate: 1) functional ankle PF maximal angles and ROM while performing eleve among professional dancers, 2) the effect of MIP on enhancing eleve performance, and 3) participants’ views on the MIP intervention and its feasibility in a professional dance company setting. METHODS: Five professional dancers, mean age 31 yrs (SD 1.87), participated in a 2-week MIP intervention. Data on ankle PF maximal angles and ROM were collected pre- and post-intervention using 3-dimensional motion capture while performing repeat (10 repetitions) and static (10 sec) eleve. RESULTS: At baseline, ankle PF maximal angles were 169.20° (SD 2.81°) and 168.36° (2.23°) and ankle PF ROM were 40.21° (3.35°) and 35.94° (3.95°) for the repeat and static tasks, respectively. After the MIP intervention, ankle PF maximal angles were 170.28° (4.26°) and 170.74° (3.77°) and ankle PF ROM were 41.53° (2.33°) and 39.30° (2.30°) for the repeat and static tasks, respectively. Feasibility of MIP was established with 100% compliance and positive views were expressed by participants. CONCLUSION: The results suggest MIP holds potential as an adjunct training method for enhancing elev. performance among professional dancers.