Considering new moves in dance medicine and science: promoting a translational agenda for improved applied impact

Abstract

Over the past 35 years, the dance domain has adopted sports medicine as a key driver of professional practice. However, similar to limitations identified within sport, research is yet to achieve its full translational potential within applied settings. This Viewpoints paper begins to identify and unpick key philosophical and methodological aspects, with the view to stimulate discussion in this rapidly growing and developing domain. First, we outline a pragmatic philosophy that underpins expert professional practice as a basis to evaluate research. Second, we critically appraise study design characteristics to exemplify a gap between accepted scientific research protocols and professional needs within applied settings. Third, we comment on recommendations/insights made within the literature against the requirements and practices of professionals. Finally, based on this appraisal we suggest an exemplar new line of research that draws upon a pragmatic philosophy; namely, motor skill refinement. In enacting these ‘new moves’, we look forward to increased collaboration between practitioners and academics to fully realise a strong applied evidence-base. This task will not be easy, as with any interdisciplinary research, and should draw upon interdisciplinary expertise to do so. Hopefully our brief comments will provide a stimulus for further discussion, planning and future action.