Dance as an adjunct therapy to improve cognitive and psychosocial functions in children with neurological impairments

Abstract

Neurological disorders such as neuromuscular disease or cerebral palsy have impacts on motor functions but can also lead to cognitive and psychosocial impairments. Recent studies suggest that dance can be an effective approach to improve cognitive and psychosocial functions in different populations. Based on these evidence, we have developed and implemented three dance programs aiming at improving cognitive and psychosocial dimensions in children with neurological disorders. The dance programs were 10 to 12 weeks long (60 minutes per session, two sessions a week) and included various types of dance. These programs were specifically adapted to the need of children with cerebral palsy (1 program, pre/post-test design, n = 20) or neuromuscular diseases (2 programs, controlled pre-post-design, n = 19). Dance sessions were provided by physiotherapists, adapted dance teachers and a researcher specialized in dance therapy. Cognitive and psychosocial dimensions were evaluated before and after each dance program. Attention was improved in children participating in each of the three programs. Emotional aspects of quality of life and rhythmic abilities were improved in children with neuromuscular disease while specific aspects of memory improved in children with cerebral palsy. Results from these three dance programs provides evidence of cognitive and psychosocial benefits for children with neuromuscular disease and cerebral palsy.