Brain activation of the sensorimotor cortex during the performance of the demi-plié movement in its different roles in classical ballet

Demi-plié is a coordinated ballet movement involving a smooth, continuous bend of the knees, keeping the thighs externally rotated and heels on the ground. It consists of descending and ascending phases, the latter often preparing for the next motor action. Task goals may influence corresponding brain activation patterns. Twelve classical dancers (10 females, 2 males) performed the demi-plié itself and prior to other ballet movements such as: relevé; sauté; sissonne fermée de côté; and pirouette en dehors. Electroencephalography measures were taken from the primary motor area (M1), premotor cortex (PMC), and supplementary motor area (SMA) during the movement performance. Significant differences were found among the demi-plié in preparation for complex movements such as jumps and turns. Wavelet spectrograms showed distinct patterns of brain activation for all experimental conditions. Additionally, the M1, PMC, and SMA seem to display different orders of activation depending on the demi-plié end-goal.