IADMS Miami 2000   [back to the Category]

“W.A.V.E” Dancing: Toward an Optimal Workout: The Effects of Rehabilitation on Injuries   [read the french version]

Author :   Sunday Homitz, L.P.T., B.F.A. and Dan Hogan, M.A.

Authors: Sunday Homitz, L.P.T., B.F.A., Body Technic Systems, Cleveland, OH, USA, and Dan Hogan, M.A., W.A.V.E.S., New York, NY, USA

Purpose and Scientific Principles Used for Subject Evaluation
Combined principles of toning, strengthening, lengthening, breathing, opening, and joint release with use of water resistance in a pool setting were employed, both in shallow and deep water, to effect maximum rehabilitation and body fitness for the dancer.
Dance principles, laws of physics, gravity, buoyancy, movement with pressure resistance for muscle toning and support both energetically from a chemical basis will be used. Polarity, electrical aspects, as well as with use of generated musculoskeletal and neuromuscular forces will also be investigated. This will be effected with and without props. Videotaped class instructed offered vs. protocol (in water) for participating audience if needed.
The result is an ergonomically superlative mode of working the body and mind synergistically. There is a use of the total body systems in a gross motor sense as well as at the cellular level. There is a polarity with regard to the energy/energetic charge of the water, and openness to a yielding into the body support.

Subjects and Data Collection
This paper will delve into principles of physics, water, and the human form in regards to the dancer and the continued quest toward building an optimal workout with a focus on the dancer. A previous case study will be presented which was also presented at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation 1997, “Body, Mind, Somatic Conference.” This case involved a dancer with a ruptured Achilles tendon using the protocol in rehabilitation. Subject was a 42-year-old ballet dancer who would be representative of an extreme case. Therefore, methods of data collection involved: journal activity(s) of the client, physical therapy documentation, comments with the surgeon who performed the repair (Garon Weiker, M.D., Cleveland Clinic Sports Medicine Section), and videotape. W.A.V.E.S. instructor Dan Hogan’s experience was given focused attention within the context of the work per the client studied. Case study from 1997 presentation at Cleveland Clinic followed to present results. Present, fall 1999, phenomenological and systematic evidence showed that client continued her professional performing career within one year from date of surgery. This included the W.A.V.E.S. program.

Discussion Summary/Empirical Results
Empirical evidence showed increased balance, concentration, decreased pain, decreased atrophy, and a greater mind body approach to movement. Subject in this case study and Hogan’s subjects receiving instruction in the W.A.V.E.S. techniques appeared to have decreased injury and pain problems and increased levels of performance activity. W.A.V.E.S. has shown to be a positive modality in reducing the time needed for rehabilitation and recovery.

*W.A.V.E.S. Water Activities Variable Exercise Systems

This is the abstract of a paper presented at the Tenth Annual Meeting of the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science, held 27-29 October 2000 in Miami, Florida, USA. All rights are reserved by the individual author(s).