Music-based biofeedback shows promise in improving deadlift technique

Music-based biofeedback shows promise in improving deadlift technique
Mocap markers positioning. Credit: Lorenzoni et al., 2019

A study of 31 recreational weightlifters suggests that a real-time, music-based feedback system helps improve deadlift technique. Valerio Lorenzoni of Ghent University, Belgium, and colleagues present these findings in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on August 28, 2019.

Sensors placed on the body can provide measurements that help an individual monitor their own athletic performance or progress during rehabilitation. Known as biofeedback, this approach may be especially useful when access to a trainer or therapist is unfeasible, such as during in-home workouts.

For the new study, Lorenzoni and colleagues designed a -based biofeedback system for helping weightlifters improve their technique while performing a weightlifting exercise known as the deadlift. A person using the system dons 22 body sensors that monitor deadlift technique. Then, they perform deadlifts while listening to music composed by the researchers. Bad technique lowers the sound quality of the music, while improved technique restores it.

To test this system, the scientists recruited 31 recreational weightlifters and divided them into two groups. One group performed deadlifts while receiving the music-based , while the other group received feedback directly from instructors. For simplicity, feedback was provided for only two deadlift technique parameters.

The researchers found that both feedback types resulted in improved deadlift technique among the participants. Both resulted in similar levels of improvement, and participants reported similar levels of clarity and enjoyment for both. These findings suggest that music-based biofeedback could be a useful tool for .

The authors note that future research could explore the long-term effectiveness of their new . They also suggest that the system could be improved by increasing its portability, and it could be applied to additional parameters of weight training technique.

The authors summarize: "The sonic-instructor is a music-based able to help people improve weightlifting technique for performance improvement and injury prevention."

More information: Lorenzoni V, Staley J, Marchant T, Onderdijk KE, Maes P-J, Leman M (2019) The sonic instructor: A music-based biofeedback system for improving weightlifting technique. PLoS ONE 14(8): e0220915. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0220915

Journal information: PLoS ONE
Citation: Music-based biofeedback shows promise in improving deadlift technique (2019, August 28) retrieved 28 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2019-08-music-based-biofeedback-deadlift-technique.html
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