Performing Artist and Athlete Health Monitor (PAHM) | To monitor the physical and mental health of performing artists and athletes an online tool was developed; the Performing Artist and Athlete Health Monitor (PAHM). With PAHM we collect (subjective as well as objective) information from various stakeholders and sources on the health status of performing artists and athletes and health affecting factors. Based on the linked data PAHM gives tailored and real time visualized feedback to the performing artist, athlete and (medical) staff about (potential) health problems. PAHM facilitates the communication between stakeholders and produces high quality data for researchers. This project is funded by the Taskforce for Applied Research (Nationaal Regieorgaan Praktijkgericht Onderzoek SIA).
Monitoring your TRAIning Load (MTRAIL) | Recent studies investigating the internal and external load in team sports emphasize the need to find the optimal training zone to improve performance and decrease injury risk. In this PhD project the internal and external load of elite youth soccer players is monitored. The goal is 1) to establish the extent (incidence, severity) of injuries, 2) to gain insight into workload parameters and their relation with injury occurrence, and 3) to optimize workload models by using internal as well as external load parameters. This project is executed in collaboration with the Feyenoord Academy and is funded by the Taskforce for Applied Research (Nationaal Regieorgaan Praktijkgericht Onderzoek SIA).
Student Life Monitor | The aim of the project is to gain insight into the amount, risk factors and preventive measures regarding injuries, mental complaints and illnesses of our Codarts bachelor students (Dance, Dance & Education, Circus, Musical Theatre and Classical Music) by using the Student Life Monitor (SLM). At the beginning of the academic year students are screened physically and mentally. Throughout the year, their mental and physical health is monitored via online questionnaires and physical tests. All data are securely stored in the Student Life Monitor and results are shown in individualized dashboards where feedback is provided to help the students improve their mental and physical health. This project is funded by Codarts Rotterdam.
Aerobic fitness in contemporary dance | This PhD project focuses on the aerobic demands of contemporary dance and the aerobic capacity of contemporary dance students. A sufficient aerobic capacity is important for dancers in order to cope with the demands of classes, rehearsals and performances. The Dance-specific Aerobic Fitness Test (DAFT) is a measure often used to determine aerobic fitness levels in contemporary dance students. In this project the psychometric aspects of the DAFT will be studied, with a focus on the validity and reliability of the test. Results of the DAFT will be compared with demands of contemporary dance classes and correlations with injury levels and aesthetic performance will be explored. This project is funded by Codarts Rotterdam.
Fit to Perform | Fit to Perform is executed in collaboration with The Dutch National Ballet and aims to reduce health problems (e.g. injuries and mental complaints), optimize health and maximize the performance of dancers by using the web-based Performing artist and Athlete Health Monitor (PAHM). PAHM enables the company to collect and analyse data on the health and wellbeing of their dancers. In addition it provides dancers feedback on their individual physical and mental health, workload and recovery. The tool automatically sends surveys to the dancers, stores the survey data in an encrypted database and visualises the results in a dashboard. The Dutch National Ballet uses PAHM to underpin their Fit to Perform program. Based on the input from dancers, artistic staff and medical team, PAHM has been further tailored to the particular needs and desires of the company resulting in monitoring health via medical attention injuries as well as self-monitoring health. This project is funded by the Taskforce for Applied Research (Nationaal Regieorgaan Praktijkgericht Onderzoek SIA). Recently it has been awarded best applied research project of the Netherlands (November 2018).
Team Around The Artist model (TATA) | The professional world of performing arts and sports revolves around excellence and success. As a consequence physical and psychological demands are high. That makes performing artists and athletes prone to health problems If they are fit and healthy they are better able to realise their full potential and succeed at a professional level. Good level of health literacy and access to the best health care services and evidence based training practices is necessary. In achieving this, the importance of a proper organizational structure, teamwork and nurturing environment is often underestimated. PEARL has developed a multidisciplinary Team Around the Artist (TATA) model where science is integrated into the health care for performers and athletes. With the TATA model, PEARL develops and structures effective health and performance programs tailored to the needs of dance companies, orchestras, performing arts universities and higher education institutions. Professionals from three domains work together in a multidisciplinary, integrated and well-organized way to provide the performer or athlete with the best possible information, training, care and guidance. TATA facilitates the communication between stakeholders, such as health professionals and performers. This project is funded by Codarts Rotterdam.
Health problems, risk factors and prevention in pre-professional musicians | The physical and mental demands that musicians face are high. Practicing days are often long and the techniques can be challenging, which may lead to physical and mental complaints. In this PhD project students of the Classical Music Department of Codarts are monitored. The aim is to establish the extent of physical and mental health problems and to identify risk factors for these health problems. Besides, by using qualitative methods more insight into the view on health problems of both students and teachers at the conservatory is gained. The results of this project contribute to a more specific preventive approach to health in conservatory students. This project is funded by Codarts Rotterdam and the Taskforce for Applied Research (Nationaal Regieorgaan Praktijkgericht Onderzoek SIA).
Injuries in pre-professional dancers: a performance psychological approach | This PhD project investigates the association between mental factors and injury risk. Furthermore, it focuses on the influence of injuries on mental health of injured dancers and takes a closer look at the role of mental factors in the ‘return to perform’ process. This project is funded by Codarts Rotterdam and the Taskforce for Applied Research (Nationaal Regieorgaan Praktijkgericht Onderzoek SIA).
For more information about our projects, click to see our publications.
