Main Research Findings

Dance therapy has shown promising results in improving cognitive function, mental health, and physical well-being for individuals with various health conditions and age groups. 2 found that dance therapy may benefit older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in terms of global cognitive function, specific cognitive domains, quality of life, and mental health. 3 indicates that dance therapy can be a feasible and acceptable treatment option in stroke rehabilitation, particularly for improving gait and balance. 4 suggests that dance therapy might have potential benefits for women with breast cancer, including reducing fatigue, sleep disturbances, and pain. 5 highlights the potential of dance therapy in alleviating non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease patients. 6 indicates that dance therapy could be beneficial for individuals with hypertension in improving blood pressure. 7 reveals that dance therapy may have a positive impact on cognitive and mood symptoms in people with Parkinson’s disease. 8 analyzes the effects of dance therapy on hematological and rheological indicators in older women, suggesting potential benefits. 9 demonstrates that a dance therapy program might improve sleep and blood pressure in middle-aged women. 10 reveals the potential of dance therapy in enhancing motor performance in children with learning disabilities. 11 indicates the transformative power of dance in improving mobility, interpersonal relationships, well-being, and quality of life for adults with intellectual disabilities. 12 suggests that dance/movement therapy can be a holistic approach to promoting wellness and reducing health disparities in individuals with schizophrenia. 13 highlights the potential of dance movement therapy in addressing the complexity of dementia and improving emotional, behavioral, and social aspects. 14 demonstrates the feasibility and safety of an online dance intervention for older adults, including those with Parkinson’s disease, indicating potential improvements in emotional domains, lower-limb mobility, and overall well-being. 15 reveals the potential benefits of dance for individuals with multiple sclerosis in terms of functional, psychosocial, and participation outcomes. 16 explores the neuroplasticity-based approach of dance therapy, bridging from older adults to Parkinson’s disease patients, suggesting that dance can induce beneficial neuroplastic changes in the brain. 17 suggests that dance therapy could be beneficial for adults with psychological trauma. 1 indicates that dance therapy might positively affect blood pressure and exercise capacity in individuals with hypertension.

Benefits and Risks

Benefits Summary

Dance therapy offers various benefits, including improved cognitive function, mental health, and physical well-being. It has the potential to be an effective treatment option for people with various health conditions and age groups. It is a non-pharmacological approach that can enhance quality of life and address a range of symptoms. 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 1

Risks Summary

Dance therapy is generally considered safe, but there are potential risks. For instance, individuals with limited mobility or older adults may be at a higher risk of falls. It is crucial to adapt the dance therapy program to each individual's physical and mental abilities to minimize risks. 14

Comparing Studies

Similarities

Many studies indicate that dance therapy can contribute to improvements in cognitive function, mental health, and physical well-being, highlighting the diverse benefits of this approach. 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 1

Differences

The outcomes may vary depending on factors such as the specific health condition, age group, type of dance, and assessment methods used in each study. For example, the type of dance might influence the effectiveness and risks associated with it. Individual factors like physical and mental health, as well as the individual's ability to engage in dance, can also contribute to variations in outcomes. 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 1

Consistency and Contradictions

While numerous studies support the effectiveness of dance therapy, some contradictory findings also exist. For example, some studies may indicate positive effects of dance therapy on a particular condition, while others might not show significant results. These discrepancies can arise due to variations in research methods, participant characteristics, and types of dance employed in each study.

Real-Life Applications and Considerations

Dance therapy holds potential as a valuable health management strategy for various individuals, including older adults and those with specific health conditions. However, it is essential to consider individual factors like fitness levels, physical limitations, and mental well-being when incorporating dance therapy into daily life. It is also important to consult with healthcare professionals and seek guidance from qualified dance therapists to ensure safe and effective implementation. 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 1

Limitations of Current Research

The field of dance therapy research is still evolving, and further research is needed to gain a more comprehensive understanding of its effectiveness. Larger-scale studies are necessary to examine the influence of factors like specific health conditions, age groups, types of dance, and assessment methods on the outcomes. Research on long-term effects and safety is also limited.

Future Research Directions

To enhance our understanding of dance therapy, future research should focus on areas such as: - Large-scale studies exploring the influence of various factors on effectiveness. - Studies evaluating long-term effects and safety. - Research investigating the mechanisms underlying dance therapy's effectiveness. - Studies aimed at promoting the wider adoption of dance therapy.

Conclusion

Dance therapy shows promise as a therapeutic modality that can benefit individuals across various age groups and health conditions. However, the current body of research is still evolving, and further investigation is required. As research continues to progress, dance therapy may play an increasingly significant role in promoting health and well-being.