There are lots of research studies going on around the WORLD that are specific to dancers. But, how can you learn from dance science research? Especially when it may seem so confusing! Research studies can be a really good resource with evidence on different topics- but to be honest, sometimes it’s super hard to know what they are even talking about! Especially with all the big anatomy/science language that could leave you even more confused. But- no worries! I am going to explain the basics of research and I will be posting breakdowns of research relevant to dance in future posts!
First of all there are different styles of research done, so when you are reading it is good to know what you are looking at. Generally this breaks down into two categories:
Qualitative// Literature Review
This is where someone wants to focus their research on a certain topic, so they gather as much research on that topic and compile it all together and talk about it. These could be super interesting because you can read so much info in one place. An example of research like this can be found here. Notice the author’s topic “Foot and Ankle Injuries in Dance”, and how her writing has tons of info from different sources compiling everything all together.
Quantitative// Experimental
This is where someone wants to experiment with a topic. They have a question that they want to figure out and they design an experiment that answers a question. This research is looking at if verbal instruction in landing from jumps affected alignment and glute activation. There were two groups involved and the results were compared. Usually there is some type of pre/post tests to compare results. Or a control group and experimental group. It all depends on the research design!
The positive thing about research, especially experimental research is you are seeing (sometimes surprising) results. What muscles are activated when you do a relevé? Well hook a dancer up to an EMG and it will tell you! How is a dancer’s aerobic capacity compared to a football player’s aerobic capacity? Measure the heart rates and even the VO2 max for both groups! Just like in your own dance practice, you are in constant somatic research with your own body. Why did I fall back out of my turn? How can I shift my weight to make that transition easier? Etc. Dance science research is the same way!
The negative on research is that there are so many factors that could affect your results. For example, what if you were doing research looking at what is the best exercise for abdominal control- holding a plank, or crunches. You get two participants in your study. One of them has amazing core control and strength and the other has never done a core exercise in their life. Over your study your results may show the first one showing no improvement doing the plank and the second one showing vast improvement doing the crunches. Your results of your research show that crunches are way better for you than planks.
So you see, dance science research can be a little bit misleading sometimes.
That is why it is important to know what you are looking at! It is way better for this kind of research to have lots of participants to make the results more conclusive. Also, the same study should be repeated multiple times, with different populations and if the results are STILL the same, then it could be said more confidently that the conclusion found is true!
It can be a slow process, but there is some really great work out there that I am looking forward to sharing and reviewing some awesome pieces!
What type of research are you most interested in hearing about? Let me know and I will be happy to break it down for you!