Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Creative Movement Dance Class For Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Zoe N. Brennan, Abigail L. Koning, April L. Miller

Pediatrics

Objective: The objective of this phenomenological study was to identify how an occupational therapy developed Creative Movement Dance Class (CMDC) addresses social interaction skills in adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Method: Interviews were conducted with a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA), Occupational Therapist (OT), ballet instructor, student intern, teacher, and an aide that were directly involved with the CMDC.

Results: Three themes were identified. The first theme, structure of the class, consisted of eight sub-themes including opportunity to practice, fulfilling sensory needs, the Just Right Challenge, classroom support, classroom expectations, interprofessional collaboration, themes, and format of the class. The …

Dance & Down Syndrome: Parental Perceptions On Dance And Movement-Based Interventions, Ami A. Parke, Cara J. Murray, Rebecca D. Need, Kathryn Edick

Pediatrics

This qualitative phenomenological study was designed to identify parent or guardian perceptions on the benefits of dance and movement-based interventions for their child who has Down syndrome. Individuals with Down syndrome face limitations in social-emotional skills, physical skills, and life skills, and research on the benefits of dance and movement-based interventions demonstrated some evidence of improvements in these skills. Researchers utilized a parent focus group in order to gain insight into how dance impacts their children with Down syndrome. A number of themes emerged from the data analysis process including improved movement, psychological well-being, and routine and retention. The theme …

Perceived Importance Of Resistance Training In Collegiate Dancers, Kayla Major

Graduate Theses

Dancers are artistic athletes that use their bodies as their instrument. Dance is a sport that requires significant skill and higher levels of fitness. Unfortunately, dancers are not as physically fit as sport athletes. This may not only increase their risk of injury, but also limit their maximum dance performance. Resistance training offers significant physical and psychological health benefits. But, there is very limited research regarding dancers’ resistance training habits. The results of the few studies that exist unanimously suggest that there is no detriment to the aesthetics of dance, rather improvements in dance elements as a result of improved …

Mindfulness And Dance: The Effect Of Yoga Practices In College-Aged Dancers, Alison Saum

Senior Theses

Mindfulness is the self-regulation of attention toward conscious awareness of bodily sensations and perceptions (Howell & Marich, 2015). As opposed to other forms of attention training, mindfulness focuses on a non-judgmental monitoring of stimuli and experiences which adopts a curious, open, and accepting attitude (Creswell, Denson, & Schofield, 2015). Mindfulness practitioners develop an ongoing awareness of changes in their internal experiences of sensations, thoughts, and feelings, as well as awareness of external experiences (Daubenmier, Dunn, Farb, Gard, Kerr, Klein, Mehling, Paulus, & Price, 2015). Traditionally, mindfulness involves quietly sitting and observing various experiences without judging or attempting to change the …

The [E]Motionless Body No Longer: Tracing The Historical Intersections Of Mental Illness And Movement In The American Asylum, Holly Adele Herzfeld

Senior Projects Spring 2017

Senior Project submitted to The Division of Multidisciplinary Studies of Bard College.

Dancing Through Life: Dance As Physical Therapy To Prevent Falls, Salon Gegel

Honors Projects

The basis of this project was to create a series of dance-based exercise activities to be used as part of an exercise class for elderly people who are classified as fall risks. The idea was to approach exercise through a medium that was convenient and versatile for the class leader, while being comfortable and fun for participants. The activities were developed and presented over the course of the six-week P.L.A.C.E. Program, held at the Montessori School of Bowling Green. Participants met four times to take part in a guided exercise class, and enjoy other activities. At these sessions, participants were …