AUTHOR=Abraham Amit , Gose Rebecca , Schindler Ron , Nelson Bethany H. , Hackney Madeleine E. 

TITLE=Dynamic Neuro-Cognitive Imagery (DNITM) Improves Developpé Performance, Kinematics, and Mental Imagery Ability in University-Level Dance Students

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology

VOLUME=10

YEAR=2019

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00382

DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00382

ISSN=1664-1078

ABSTRACT=<p>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 (DNI<sup>TM</sup>) 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 (<italic>M</italic> 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 DNI<sup>TM</sup> intervention, significant increases (<italic>p</italic> &lt; 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 (<italic>p</italic> &lt; 0.05) in level of difficulty experienced and significant improvements in kinesthetic (<italic>p</italic> &lt; 0.05) and dance (<italic>p</italic> &lt; 0.01) imagery abilities. This study provides evidence for the motor and non-motor benefits of DNI<sup>TM</sup> training in university-level dance students.</p>