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Movement Analysis of Philippine Folk Dance Maglalatik

Article · January 2018

DOI: 10.26524/ijets1815

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 DOI: 10.26524/ijets1815
FULL LENGTH ARTICLE

Movement Analysis of Philippine Folk Dance Maglalatik

Martin, Jonar T. a * and Miller, Jumel C. b
a
Physical Education Department, College of Education, Angeles University Foundation, Pampanga.
b
Physical Education Department, College of Education, Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University, Bacolor,
Pampanga.

*Corresponding Author ABSTRACT: This study described and analyzed the dance movements of the Philippine
[email protected] folk dance Maglalatik. The researchers adopted the movement analysis method similar
(T. Martin, Jonar) to that of Mackenzie that involves the (1) description of the actual movements which
Ph; +639422830741 occur at the joints involved; (2) the plane in which the movement occurs; and (3) the
muscles producing the movement (agonist & antagonist). In addition, the researchers
Received : 20-08-2018 also had done a mechanical analysis on the lever type involved in the execution of the
Accepted : 28-08-2018 dance movement in terms of force, axis, and resistance. Findings revealed that the
prominent dance steps in the Philippine local dance Maglalatik are the (1) jogging, (2)
forward-backward step, (3) arm swing, and (4) 8 quick clap cycles. The joints involved
are the shoulder and hip muscle which are ball and socket type of joints; elbow, knee,
and ankle which are hinge joints; and the wrist which is a condyloid type of joint. The
major muscles involved in the dance for the lower body include the quadriceps,
hamstring muscle group, calves, and gluts. While for the upper body muscles involved
are the deltoid, trapezius, biceps, triceps, and forearm muscles. Generally, the types of
lever used in performing the dance are 1st class and 3rd class levers. Furthermore, the
movements in the dance may improve the health-related fitness of the performers in
terms of muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance, and
flexibility. Also, the dance could improve skill-related fitness such as agility and
coordination. Thus, the local dance Maglalatik is a viable dance that may promote the
health and skill-related fitness of the performers.

Keywords: Maglalatik, folk dance, Philippines, movement analysis, mechanical

Dr. Jonar T. Martin is was the recipient of the International Publication

a professor, program Award in research at his institution.
chair and research
committee chair of
Dr. Jumel C. Miller is the
the College of
Education of Angeles Program Chairperson of
University Bachelor of Physical
Foundation. He Education in the College
finished his bachelor’s of Education at Don
degree in Secondary Honorio Ventura
Education major in Physical Education at AUF. He Technological State
completed his Master’s Degree in Teaching University, Bacolor,
Physical Education and his Ph. D. in Educational Pampanga. He is a graduate of Bachelor in
Management in the same university. As a Secondary Education major in Physical Education,
researcher he became the lead author of various Health and Music at Benguet State University;
publications in international refereed journal and Master of Arts in Physical Education; and Doctor

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Vol. 1 Iss. 1 Year 2018 Martin & Miller /2018

of Philosophy major in Educational Management form of physical activity that promotes health and
in the same university. As a researcher, he was skill related fitness [4].
able to publish in international refereed journal The purpose of this study, therefore, is to
and presented in local and international examine the dance movements of the Philippine folk
conferences. Currently, he is a member of the dance Maglalatik by identifying the involved joints,
Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT) of the muscles and mechanical principles in the execution
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region of the movement. Moreover, based on the movement
3. analysis, the health and skill related fitness benefits
will be identified.
1 Introduction
2 Methods
One of the most colorful and creative dances
This descriptive study described and
that define the culture and history of the Philippines
analyzed the nature and movements of the Philippine
is the folk dance Maglalatik which means "latik-
folk dance Maglalatik through visual observation of
maker", from latik, a coconut product that is used in
the video presentation of the dance. Analysis of
Filipino cooking. It is an original all-male native war
movement is a complex activity which sometimes
dance of the Philippines where coconut halves are
requires the use of sophisticated equipment.
attached to the torso of the dancer. Coconut shell
However, Mackenzie suggested that it can be done
halves are secured onto the dancers' hands and on
visually and through observation of the movement
vests and performed by hitting the coconut shells, all
[2]. The researchers adopted the movement analysis
in time to a fast drumbeat. Throughout the dance, the
method similar to that of Mackenzie that involves the
moves focus on the use of these 'baos' or the coconut
(1) description of the actual movements which occur
shells and some of the noises or the music that will
at the joints involved; (2) the plane in which the
be used by the dance will be generated by these
movement occurs; and (3) the muscles producing the
coconut shells clapping [1]. Like many native Filipino
movement (agonist & antagonist) [2, 3]. In addition,
dances, it is intended to impress the viewers with the
the researchers also had done a mechanical analysis
great skill of the dancer where coordination and
on the lever type involved in the execution of the
sharp movements are emphasized, likewise,
dance movement in terms of force, axis, and
promoting physical fitness.
resistance.
Similar to the above-mentioned dance, a
great deal of literature has been well documented on
3 Results and discussio
Philippine folk dances [1] which focused on historical
development, socio-cultural context and the The 4 prominent movements observed in the
movement process itself. However, only a few Philippine folk dance Maglalatik are the (1) jogging,
research studies have been carried out to explore on (2) forward-backward step, (3) arm swing, and (4) 8
the muscles involved and mechanical principle in the quick coconut clap cycles. The biomechanical
execution of the movement [3, 4]. Movement analysis analysis and tables are provided in this section.
studies are more common in sports and fitness
exercises to improve technique, prevent injuries, and
3.1 Analysis of jogging
explore health and skill related benefits. Likewise,
dance as a communicative bodily movement can also Table 1 shows the biomechanical analysis of
be analyzed not only in terms of culture and jogging. As shown in the table, the major joints
characters portrayed within the dance presentation, involved in jogging are the hip, knee, and ankle. The
but also in terms of how we approach dance as a hip joint is a ball and socket type of joint which

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Vol. 1 Iss. 1 Year 2018 Martin & Miller /2018

allows flexion and extension movements which take place in the sagittal plane.
Table 1 Biomechanical analysis of jogging.
Movement Plane of Type of
Joint Type Agonist Antagonist
Allowed Movement Lever
Ball and Gluteus
Hip Flexion Sagittal Iliopsoas
socket Maximus 3rd class
Gluteus
Extension Sagittal Iliopsoas (AFR)
Maximus

Knee Hinge Flexion Sagittal Hamstring Quadriceps 1st class

Extension Sagittal Quadriceps Hamstring (FAR)

Ankle Plantar Gastrocnemius/ Tibialis 2nd class

Hinge Sagittal
& Flexion Soleus Anterior (ARF)
Metarso-
Tibialis Gastrocnemius/
phalangeal Dorsi Flexion Sagittal
Anterior Soleus
joint

The active muscles are the iliopsoas (agonist for are categorized as 2nd class lever (Axis-ankle;
flexion; antagonist for extension) and gluteus Resistance-body weight; Force-
maximus (agonist for extension; antagonist for gastrocnemius/soleus).
flexion) [2]. The hip joint and muscle action in
jogging are under the 3rd class lever (Axis-hip joint; 3.2 Analysis of forward-backward step
Force-iliopsoas and gluteus maximus; Resistance- Table 2 shows the biomechanical analysis of
foot strike). forward-backward step. As shown in the table, the
The knee is a hinge joint type allowing flexion major joints involved in forward-backward step are
and extension movements which take place in the the knee and metarso-phalangeal. The knee is a hinge
sagittal plane. The muscles involved in the movement joint type allowing flexion and extension movements
are the hamstring muscle group (agonist for flexion; which take place in the sagittal plane. The muscles
antagonist for extension) and the quadriceps muscle involved in the movement are the hamstring muscle
group (agonist for extension; antagonist for flexion) group (agonist for flexion; antagonist for extension)
[2]. The knee joint and muscle action in jogging are and the quadriceps muscle group (agonist for
under the 1st class lever (Force- extension; antagonist for flexion) [2]. The knee joint
hamstring/quadriceps; Axis-knee; Resistance-foot and muscle action in jogging is under the 1st class
strike). lever (Force- hamstring/quadriceps; Axis-knee;
Resistance-foot strike).
For the ankle, the movements allowed are
plantar flexion and dorsi flexion which take place in For the ankle and metarso-phalangeal joints, which
the sagittal plane [2]. The active muscles are the are considered hinge joints, the movements allowed
gastrocnemius/soleus (agonist for plantar flexion; are plantar flexion and dorsi flexion which take place
antagonist for dorsi flexion) and tibialis anterior in the sagittal plane [2]. The active muscles are the
(agonist for dorsi flexion; antagonist for plantar gastrocnemius/soleus (agonist for plantar flexion;
flexion). The ankle joint and muscle action for jogging antagonist for dorsi flexion) and tibialis anterior

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Vol. 1 Iss. 1 Year 2018 Martin & Miller /2018

(agonist for dorsi flexion; antagonist for plantar phalangeal; Resistance-body weight; Force-
flexion). The ankle/ metarso-phalangeal joint and gastrocnemius/soleus).
muscle action for forward-backward step are
categorized as 2nd class lever (Axis-ankle/metarso-
Table 2 Biomechanical analysis of forward-backward step.
Movement Plane of Type of
Joint Type Agonist Antagonist
Allowed Movement Lever
Knee Hinge Flexion Sagittal Hamstring Quadriceps 1st class
Extension Sagittal Quadriceps Hamstring (FAR)

Metarso- Hinge Dorsi Sagittal Tibialis Gastrocnemius/

phalangeal Flexion Anterior Soleus 2nd class
joint Plantar Sagittal Gastrocnemius/ Tibialis (ARF)
Flexion Soleus Anterior

Table 3 Biomechanical analysis of arm swing.

Movement Plane of Type of

Joint Type Agonist Antagonist
Allowed Movement Level
Ball & Horizontal Frontal/ Pectoralis
Shoulder Trapezius
socket Flexion Transverse Major 1st class
Horizontal Frontal/ Pectoralis
Trapezius (FAR)
Hyperextension Transverse Major

3rd class
Elbow Hinge Flexion Sagittal Biceps Brachii Triceps Brachii
(AFR)
1st class
Extension Sagittal Triceps Brachii Biceps Brachii
(FAR)

Radial Frontal Flexor Carpi Extensor Carpi

Wrist Condyloid
Deviation Radialis Ulnaris
1st class
Ulnar Frontal Extensor Carpi Extensor Carpi
(FAR)
deviation Ulnaris Ulnaris

3.3 Analysis of arm swing movements which take place in the frontal-
transverse plane. The muscles involved in the
Table 3 shows the biomechanical analysis of
movement are the pectoralis major (agonist for
the arm swing. As shown in the table, the major joints
flexion; antagonist for extension) and the trapezius
involved the arm swings are the shoulder, elbow, and
(agonist for extension; antagonist for flexion) [2]. The
wrist. The shoulder is a ball and socket joint type
shoulder joint and muscle action in arm swing are
allowing horizontal flexion and horizontal extension

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Vol. 1 Iss. 1 Year 2018 Martin & Miller /2018

under the 1st class lever (Force- pectoralis deviation) and extensor carpi ulnar is (agonist for
major/trapezius; Axis-shoulder; Resistance-arm ulnar deviation; antagonist for radial deviation). The
weight). wrist and muscle action for arm swing are
categorized as 1st class lever (Force- flexor carpi
For the elbow joint, which is a hinge joint
radialis/ extensor carpi ulnaris; Axis-wrist;
type, the movements allowed are flexion and flexion
Resistance-coconut shell).
which take place in the sagittal plane [2]. The active
muscles are the biceps brachii (agonist for flexion;
antagonist for extension) and triceps brachii (agonist 3.4 Analysis of 8 quick clap cycle
for extension; antagonist for flexion). The elbow joint Table 4 shows the biomechanical analysis of
and muscle action for arm swing is categorized as 3rd the 8 clap cycles. As shown in the table, the major
class lever in flexion (Axis-joint; Force-Biceps joints involved in the arm swing are the shoulder,
Brachii; Resistance-arm weight) but 1st class lever in elbow, and wrist. The shoulder is a ball and socket
extension (Force-Triceps Brachii; Axis-elbow; joint type allowing diagonal flexion and diagonal
Resistance-arm weight). hyper-extension movements which take place in the
sagittal plane. The muscles involved in the movement
For the wrist, which is a condyloid joint type,
are the anterior deltoid (agonist for diagonal flexion;
the movements allowed are radial deviation and
antagonist for diagonal hyper-extension) and the
ulnar deviation which take place in the frontal plane
posterior deltoid (agonist for diagonal hyper-
[2]. The active muscles are the flexor carpi radialis
extension; antagonist for diagonal flexion) [2].
(agonist for radial deviation; antagonist for ulnar

Table 4 Biomechanical analysis of 8 clap cycles

Movement Plane of Type of
Joint Type Agonist Antagonist
Allowed Movement Lever

Ball & Diagonal Anterior Posterior 1st class

Shoulder Sagittal
Socket Flexion Deltoid Deltoid (FAR)
Diagonal Sagittal Posterior Anterior
Hyper- Deltoid Deltoid
extension

Biceps Triceps 1st class

Elbow Hinge Flexion Sagittal
Brachii Brachii (FAR)
Triceps Biceps 3rd class
Extension Sagittal
Brachii Brachii (AFR)

Sagittal Wrist
Wrist Condyloid Flexion Wrist Flexor 1st class
Extensor
Sagittal Wrist
Extension Wrist Flexor (FAR)
Extensor

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 Martin & Miller /2018
The shoulder joint and muscle action in the 8 clap joint. The major muscles involved in the dance for the
cycles are under the 1st class lever (Force- lower body include the quadriceps, hamstring muscle
posterior/anterior deltoid; Axis-shoulder; group, calves and gluts. While for the upper body
Resistance-arm weight). muscles involved are the deltoid, trapezius, biceps,
triceps, and forearm muscles. Generally, the types of
For the elbow joint, which is a hinge joint
lever used in performing the dance are 1st class and
type, the movements allowed are flexion and flexion
3rd class levers.
which take place in the sagittal plane [2]. The active
muscles are the biceps brachii (agonist for flexion; By knowing the muscles involved in the
antagonist for extension) and triceps brachii (agonist dance it the coach can implement appropriate warm-
for extension; antagonist for flexion). The elbow joint up exercises to prepare the muscles for more
and muscle action for arm swing are categorized as vigorous movement and avoid injuries. Likewise,
3rd class lever in flexion (Axis-joint; Force-Biceps suitable cool-down exercises can also be executed at
Brachii; Resistance-arm weight) but 1st class lever in the end of the dance to stretch the muscles involved
extension (Force-Triceps Brachii; Axis-elbow; for relaxation and recovery purpose. Furthermore,
Resistance-arm weight). the movements in the dance may improve the health
-related fitness of the performers in terms of
For the wrist, which is a condyloid joint type,
Muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance,
the movements allowed are flexion and extension
muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance and
which take place in the saagital plane [2]. The active
flexibility. Also, the dance could improve skill-related
muscles are the wrist flexor muscles (agonist for
fitness such as agility and coordination. Thus, the
flexion; antagonist for extension) and wrist extensor
local dance Maglalatik is a viable dance that may
muscles (agonist for extension; antagonist for
promote the health and skill related fitness of the
flexion). The wrist and muscle action for the 8 clap
performers.
cycles are categorized as 1st class lever (Force- wrist
flexors/extensors; Axis-wrist; Resistance-coconut
shell).

4 Conclusions
The prominent dance steps in the Philippine
local dance Maglalatik are the (1) jogging, (2)
forward-backward step, (3) arm swing, and (4) 8
quick clap cycles. The joints involved are the
shoulder and hip muscle which are ball and socket
type of joints, elbow, knee, and ankle which are hinge
joints, and the wrist which is a condyloid type of

References
[1] F.R. Aquino, Philippine folk dance. Volumes I-VI, Manila; 1982.
[2] B. Mackenzie, Movement Analysis [Internet]. [cited 2018Sep1]. Available from:
https://www.brianmac.co.uk/moveanal.htm
[3] J.T. Martin, ME. Santos, movement analysis on the philippine kapampangan creative folk, Vidyabharati
International Interdisciplinary Research Journal, 3 (2014) 35-39.
[4] M.M. Buot, Dance Movement analysis of Tinikling: A portrayal of an agrobiodiversity landscape, Asia Life
Sciences, 21 (2012) 167-168.

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