Strategy Use in Self-Correcting Motor Errors during Dance-Based Games: A Thematic Analysis
Keywords:
Dance-based games, motor error correction, thematic analysis, cognitive regulation, kinesthetic feedback, emotional resilience, self-correction strategiesAbstract
This study aimed to explore the cognitive, motor, and socio-emotional strategies that participants employ to self-correct motor errors during dance-based games. A qualitative research design using thematic analysis was employed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 23 participants from the United States who had varying levels of experience with dance-based games. Recruitment continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Interviews lasted between 45 and 75 minutes, were transcribed verbatim, and analyzed with NVivo 14 software. An inductive coding process was used, involving open coding, category development, and theme refinement. Member checking and peer review of coding enhanced credibility and trustworthiness of findings. Three overarching themes emerged. The first theme, cognitive regulation in error recognition, included strategies such as focused attention, anticipation, reflection, memory-based correction, error attribution, and adaptive goal setting. The second theme, motor strategies for physical adjustment, encompassed kinesthetic feedback, micro-corrections, repetition and refinement, rhythmic synchronization, and embodied experimentation. The third theme, social and emotional regulation in error management, captured peer modeling, emotional resilience, external feedback use, group synchrony, motivation and persistence, and confidence restoration. Participants highlighted that self-correction was not only a technical adjustment of movements but also involved reflective thought processes, bodily awareness, and emotional coping to sustain engagement and improvement. The findings demonstrate that self-correction in dance-based games is a multidimensional process integrating cognitive, motor, and socio-emotional strategies. Understanding these strategies provides valuable insights for designing educational programs, therapeutic interventions, and digital game platforms that foster adaptive learning and resilience. This study contributes to the literature by emphasizing the lived experiences of players and their nuanced approaches to error regulation.
Downloads
References
1. Nguyen CTT. Interactive Rhythmic Streams in Mobile Rhythm Games. Journal of Sound and Music in Games. 2025;6(2):53-82. doi: 10.1525/jsmg.2025.6.2.53.
2. Castillo-Almazán A, Pérez O, Prado L, Jacoby N, Merchant H. Flexible Tapping Synchronization in Macaques: Dynamic Switching of Timing Strategies Within Rhythmic Sequences. 2025. doi: 10.1101/2025.03.27.645824.
3. Bevilacqua R, Maranesi E, Benadduci M, Cortellessa G, Umbrico A, Fracasso F, et al. Exploring Dance as a Therapeutic Approach for Parkinson Disease Through the Social Robotics for Active and Healthy Ageing (SI-Robotics): Results From a Technical Feasibility Study. Jmir Aging. 2025;8:e62930-e. doi: 10.2196/62930.
4. Bevilacqua R, Benadduci M, Bonfigli AR, Riccardi GR, Melone G, Forgia Al, et al. Dancing With Parkinson's Disease: The SI-ROBOTICS Study Protocol. Frontiers in Public Health. 2021;9. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.780098.
5. Li Y. Dance Movement Error Correction Based on Decision Tree Algorithm. Applied Mathematics and Nonlinear Sciences. 2024;9(1). doi: 10.2478/amns-2024-1755.
6. Yang Y. Posture Action Correction Method for Sports Dance Using Improved Deep Reinforcement Learning in IoT. International Journal of Image and Graphics. 2024. doi: 10.1142/s0219467826500129.
7. Neti NR, Ertati E, Aprilina S, Parera SF. Implementasi Stimulasi Seni Pada Kurikulum Merdeka Di Tk Aba an-Nur. Bouseik. 2024;2(2):121-32. doi: 10.37092/bouseik.v2i2.905.
8. Rafifah FA, Anissa F, Muklis FA, Putri SU. Learning Strategies in PAUD to Stimulate Early Childhood Gross Motor Development. Feelings. 2023;1(1):34-43. doi: 10.61166/feelings.v1i1.4.
9. Chepka O. Game Technologies in Corrective and Developmental Work With Children With Severe Speech Disorders. Psychological and Pedagogical Problems of Modern School. 2023(2(10)):57-66. doi: 10.31499/2706-6258.2(10).2023.290571.
10. Chepka O. Corrective and Developmental Work With Children With Speech Disorders in the Conditions of Inclusive Education. Наукові Інновації Та Передові Технології. 2024(11(39)). doi: 10.52058/2786-5274-2024-11(39)-1122-1133.
11. Petrenko N, Petrenko S. Psychophysical Features of the Development of Preschool Children With Speech Disorders in the Context of Musical-Creative and Physical Education. Scientific Journal of National Pedagogical Dragomanov University Series 15 Scientific and Pedagogical Problems of Physical Culture (Physical Culture and Sports). 2025(1(186)):195-8. doi: 10.31392/udu-nc.series15.2025.01(186).39.
12. Alekseieva N. The Influence of Music Art on Speech Development of Elementary School Students. Problems of Modern Teacher Training. 2022(2(26)):111-7. doi: 10.31499/2307-4914.2(26).2022.267727.
13. Rana B. The Therapeutic Potential of Rhythm Games for Autism Spectrum Disorder: Viewpoint (Preprint). 2024. doi: 10.2196/preprints.67909.
14. Poliakoff E, Bek J, Phillips M, Young WR, Rose D. Vividness and Use of Imagery Related to Music and Movement in People With Parkinson's: A Mixed-Methods Survey Study. Music & Science. 2023;6. doi: 10.1177/20592043231197919.
15. Saluja A, Goyal V, Dhamija RK. Multi-Modal Rehabilitation Therapy in Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders. Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology. 2023;26(Suppl 1):S15-S25. doi: 10.4103/aian.aian_164_22.
16. Gračanin A. Motion and Dance as a Type of Therapy With Working With Children/People With Developmental Difficulties. Quality of Life (Banja Luka) - Apeiron. 2021;20(1). doi: 10.7251/qol2101013g.
17. Slusarenko A, Rosenberg MC, Kazanski ME, McKay JL, Emmery L, Kesar TM, et al. Associations Between Music and Dance Relationships, Rhythmic Proficiency, and Spatiotemporal Movement Modulation Ability in Adults With and Without Mild Cognitive Impairment. Journal of Alzheimer S Disease. 2024;105(4):1165-82. doi: 10.3233/jad-231453.
18. Buchem I, Vorwerg S, Stamm O. Effectiveness of Self-Competitive Gamification Designs in VR Exergames. Pilot Study Results From a 6-Week Training Intervention With Senior Users. 2022. doi: 10.54941/ahfe1002744.
19. Großmann I, Kleschnitzki JM, Minge M, Jakob-Pannier A, Beyer L. How to Enable User Centered Inclusive Design Covering Heterogenous Target Groups: Showcasing a Multi-Method Approach for an Exergame for Seniors in Care (Preprint). 2022. doi: 10.2196/preprints.41931.
20. Bhatt T, Subramaniam S, Kitsiou S, Kannan L, Wilson E. Cognitive-Motor Gaming in Older Adults: Feasibility of Teleassessment and Telerehabilitation on Fall Risk. Innovation in Aging. 2022;6(Supplement_1):713-. doi: 10.1093/geroni/igac059.2605.
21. Subramaniam S, Bhatt T. Feasibility of an Exergaming-Based Dance Training Paradigm in the Home Setting Among People With Chronic Stroke. Innovation in Aging. 2022;6(Supplement_1):644-5. doi: 10.1093/geroni/igac059.2385.
22. Sulaeman FS, Aji DP. Turn Based Strategy Games to Hone Your Knowledge of Indonesian Culture Based on Android. 2021. doi: 10.2991/assehr.k.210304.011.
23. Pacheco MM, Garbeloto F, Tani G. Searching Strategies in Practice: The Role of Stability in the Performer-Task Interaction. Ecological Psychology. 2021;33(3-4):173-96. doi: 10.1080/10407413.2021.1942877.
24. Papka L, Golenkova Y, Karpunets TV. The Effectiveness of Using Dance Training Methods for the Education of Artistry in Athletes in Rhythmic Gymnastics Aged 8-10 Years. HSTRPT. 2023;4(1):43-52. doi: 10.58962/hstrpt.2023.4.1.43-52.
25. Rahman LA, Subandi OU, Hernawan H. The Effect of Learning Strategies and Motor Educability on the Outcomes of Learning Basic Manipulative Movement of Elementary School Students. Gladi Jurnal Ilmu Keolahragaan. 2024;15(03):350-62. doi: 10.21009/gjik.153.09.
26. Tung HH, Kuo C-Y, Lee PL, Chang C-W, Chou KH, Lin CP, et al. Efficacy of Digital Dance on Brain Imagery, Cognition, and Health: Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research. 2024;26:e57694. doi: 10.2196/57694.
27. Tung HH, Kuo C-Y, Lee PL, Chang C-W, Chou KH, Lin CP, et al. Efficacy of Digital Dance on Brain Imagery, Cognition, and Health: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint). 2024. doi: 10.2196/preprints.57694.
28. Tashbeeba S, Verma M. Current Trends in Physiotherapy Treatment Protocols in Parkinson’s Disease. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. 2024. doi: 10.7860/jcdr/2024/75512.20021.
Downloads
Published
Submitted
Revised
Accepted
Issue
Section
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
