THE KINESIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF THE ACTIVATION RATE OF SOME MUSCLE IN TURKISH FOLK DANCES (THE EXAMPLE OF HORON)

Abstract

As one of the important elements of Turkish culture and folklore, Turkish folk dances have been elaborated on in terms of cultural and artistic aspects. However, it may not be possible to say that it has been examined in terms of sporting aspects. Especially, it can be said that physical and psychological studies are limited. Given the folk dances consist of systematic movement pattern; it is important to examine the role of skeleton and muscle systems in movement. The aim of this study was to examine of the activation rate of some muscle in Turkish Folk Dances. The activation rates of some muscle during Horon dance, one of the branches of Turkish folk dances, were measured by using MEG/ENMG. EMG is a writing method of the electrical signals in muscles and nerves. The electrodes were connected to the muscles of M. Tibialis Anterior, M. Quadriceps Femoris, Flexör Digitorum Superficialis, M. Biceps Brachii, Longissimus Thoracis and Trapezius of a dancer, who knew Horon dance well, graduated from conservatory and had a background of Turkish folk dances, and the measurement was conducted. The academicians doing research into anatomy and physiology chose the muscles in theme of “main muscle group.” The muscles were included in the study based on expert opinion. M. Tibialis was the most contracted with the rate of 230.35 in Trabzon-Tonya Horon. Left M. Biceps Brachii was the least contracted with the rate of 28.16 in Trabzon Horon (Male). When the rates of muscles are compared, no average score could be found. The reason for that the muscle usage rates can be different in the same dance. It was found that the arm muscles were used less than leg muscles.