The Effectiveness of Dance Therapy as an Adjunct to Rehabilitation of Adults With a Physical Disability.

Brigitte Lachance,Frédérique Poncet,Bonnie Swaine,Julie Lamoureux,Patricia Mckinley,Chloé Proulx-Goulet,Vicky Bergeron,Élodie Brousse

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01963

Abstract

Background/Objective: To determine the added benefit on participants’ mobility and participation of a 12-week dance therapy (DT) intervention combined with usual physical rehabilitation for adults with varied physical disabilities. Their appreciation of DT was also explored.Methods: We conducted a quasi-experimental study pre–post test with a nonequivalent control group and repeated measurements pre, post, and at a 3-month follow-up.Results: Although participants in both groups significantly improved over time (at 12 weeks and at follow-up) compared to baseline on mobility (timed up and go, TUG) and participation (e.g., Life-H scores and number of leisure activities), treatment effect analysis using propensity score matching showed no significant treatment effect of DT. The TUG scores showed the best promise of a treatment effect. DT participants’ Flow State Scale scores significantly improved (p < 0.01) for 5/9 dimensions of flow (being in control, loss of self-consciousness), and they all recommended DT.Conclusion: This study failed to demonstrate an added benefit of the DT intervention in improving participants’ mobility and participation. Overwhelmingly, favorable participants’ opinions about the intervention support its potential impact.

Highlights

Alternative treatment modalities are gaining popularity in rehabilitation including dance therapy (DT)
To address the gaps in the literature about using DT among heterogeneous rehabilitation service users, we explored the effect of DT on functional mobility and social participation among DT participants receiving active rehabilitation treatment compared to that of a control group receiving only traditional rehabilitation
59 persons participated in the DT group and 57 participants were in the control group

Summary

Introduction

Alternative treatment modalities are gaining popularity in rehabilitation including dance therapy (DT). Activity level increased in sedentary elderly (Kattenstroth et al, 2013) and among people with multiple sclerosis (MS) during and after a DT intervention (Mandelbaum et al, 2016). Participation in a community dance program appears to have increased the repertoire of activities in. Dance Therapy, Adjunct to Rehabilitation a child with cerebral palsy (López-Ortiz et al, 2012) and in elderly women (Nadasen, 2008). Increased frequency of participation in activities among healthy seniors (O’Toole et al, 2015) and in social activities among patients with Parkinson’s disease (Foster et al, 2013) is noted

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion