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Authentic Movement and the Autonomic Nervous System: A Preliminary Investigation

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Abstract

This experimental case study seeks to understand the changes in physiological activity during and following an Authentic Movement experience. A CapnoTrainer™ biofeedback instrument was used to measure heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), capnometry, and measurement of end-tidal Carbon Dioxide (ETCO2) during and following Authentic Movement activity. The results showed an increase in parasympathetic activity while maintaining high sympathetic activation during stages of movement (Segments 5 & 6) where the mover reported "being moved." In addition, an unusual increase in HRV was found during movement and speaking about the experience following movement. Future studies are recommended to evaluate the effectiveness of Authentic Movement as a self-regulatory process of the autonomic nervous system in relation to HRV as an indicator of psychophysiological health.

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Notes

  1. “Metacognition” is a term used to describe “knowing about knowing” (Metcalfe & Shimamura 1994, p. 93). Often it is assimilated with mindfulness, or awareness of one’s own process. Metacognition is also used in embodiment practices.

  2. “Healthy” for this inquiry is defined as free of psychiatric and physical illness.

  3. I remember saying, “I’m in it” yet simultaneously not feeling quite sure of what my words meant. This could have been indicative of the brain’s right-lobe state of awareness, (Schore, 2007) in which words take a back seat, and space, emotions, and multi-leveled awareness is prevalent. Further research to determine a particular state of consciousness in Authentic Movement practice is needed to clarify this concept.

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  1. Pratt Institute, 90 St. Mark’s Avenue, #3, Brooklyn, NY, 11217, USA

    Jennifer Frank Tantia

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  1. Jennifer Frank Tantia
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Tantia, J.F. Authentic Movement and the Autonomic Nervous System: A Preliminary Investigation. Am J Dance Ther 34, 53–73 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10465-012-9131-0

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