Positive Health Online

Abstract

RAYMOND and colleagues, Imperial College London, St Dunstan's Road, London W6 8RF, UK, have investigated biofeedback and dance performance.

Background

Alpha-theta neurofeedback has been shown to produce significant performance improvements in music students. This study aimed to extend this work to a different performing art and compare alpha-theta neurofeedback with another form of biofeedback: heart rate variability biofeedback.

Methodology

24 ballroom and Latin dancers were randomly allocated to three groups, one receiving neurofeedback, one heart rate variability biofeedback and one no intervention. Dance was assessed before and after training.

Results

Performance improvements were found in the biofeedback groups but not in the control group. Neurofeedback and heart rate variability biofeedback benefited performance in different ways.

Conclusion

The results of this small pilot study look promising, but a replication with larger sample sizes is required.

References

Raymond J, Sajid I, Parkinson LA, Gruzelier JH. Biofeedback and dance performance: a preliminary investigation. Applied Psychophysiology & Biofeedback 30 (1): 64-73, Mar 2005.

Comment

Perhaps these researchers could have a go with the Strictly Come Dancing cohorts.