Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
Degree Name
Bachelor of Performing Arts Honours
School
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts
First Supervisor
Joanna Nicholas
Abstract
This research investigated the necessity of individualised training adaptations in dance, informed by physiological and psychological factors to nurture dancer physical and emotional wellbeing. Periodisation is a well known framework used, by professional athletes, as a way of dividing the training plan into smaller training cycles to develop skills and biomotor abilities to allow the athlete to perform optimally (physically, technically and mentally) and ensure peak performance at a specific time (Wyon & Allard, 2023). However, it is not yet well studied and implemented in dance (Wyon, 2010). Preparing the dancer with a periodisation model could potentially assist in supporting optimal training and performance, help avoid overtraining and associated risks including low energy availability (LEA) and Relative Energy Deficiency Syndrome in Sport (REDs) (Pessali-Marques, 2021). In addition, tracking menstrual cycle could help to optimise training (Pitchers & Elliott-Sale, 2019). Practice-led research was employed to explore the application of periodisation principles to full-time dance training. Qualitative and quantitative data collection was used to monitor and adjust supplementary training and to provide insight to interrelationships between menstrual cycle phases, training volume, sleep, and personal reflections over an 11-week macrocycle. Although some principles of periodisation were successfully applied to supplementary training, a lack of periodisation in dance training as well as inadequate recovery contributed to perceived risks of overtraining. Qualitative reflections highlighted significant differences in emotional stability and physical sensations, with the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle marked by heightened muscular soreness and emotional distress compared to increased flexibility and optimism during the follicular phase. Sleep patterns averaging 7.53 hours per night and challenges arisen due to concurrent work and study commitments restricted adequate recovery time that may have also exacerbated emotional and physical fluctuations. Findings could inform future research with larger samples to further elucidate the impact of these variables on dancer performance and wellbeing.
DOI
10.25958/9d1q-7w49
Recommended Citation
Molony, S. (2024). Applying the principles of periodisation to supplementary training for dance to reduce risks of overtraining. Edith Cowan University. https://doi.org/10.25958/9d1q-7w49