Basic elements and dimensions to the phenomenon of quality of movement - a case study

Quality of movement is frequently referred to as a phenomenon in the European movement tradition,underlining a close connection between outer expression and inner,lived experience. Within physical therapy little is clarified about the phenomenon from the point of view of lived experience. A case study was done searching for basic elements and dimensions of the phenomenon. An interpretive phenomenological approach was used. A qualitative interview was conducted with one movement expert with an understanding of the phenomenon. Analysis showed three levels of quality of movement; basic elements and dimensions,functional use and personal integration. The phenomenon could be understood by the relation between three key elements; postural stability,free breathing and awareness. The key elements were considered prerequisites to a four-dimensional approach involving personal integration of bodily and mental aspects in movements. The basic elements and dimensions of the phenomenon of quality of