The effectiveness of dance therapy as an adjunct to rehabilitation of persons with a physical disability

Abstract

Alternative treatment modalities have been gaining popularity in rehabilitation for the past decade. Among these modalities, dance therapy seems to be particularly interesting since it is an enjoyable physical activity that combines improvisation, music and social interaction. A 12-week dance therapy program (DTP) offered to rehabilitation outpatients aims to promote community participation and mobility. Its effectiveness has never been studied. The objective was thus to determine the effect of DTP on participants’ mobility and participation compared to that of persons only receiving rehabilitation. A pre-/post-intervention repeated measures design with a comparison group was used (2 evaluations each pre and post-intervention). Participants were receiving outpatient rehabilitation at the Lucie-Bruneau Rehabilitation Centre (Montréal, Québec). Outcomes measures included Timed up and go (TUG), Assessment of life habits (LIFE-H) relating to community mobility and community life, and number of leisure activities performed. Generalized Estimating Equations over repeated measures determined if groups evolved differently over time; paired t -tests assessed change among DTP participants in Flow state scale (FSS-2) scores pre-/post-intervention. Forty-three DTP and 50 control subjects participated (half were male, average age of 49.1 ± 14.2 years). Subjects in both groups significantly ( P < 0.05) improved across pre and post-intervention periods for the TUG and LIFE-H leisure and number of leisure activities. Interactions between group and time were not significant; groups did not evolve differently over time for any outcome measure, nor were differences found between genders or between those with and without degenerative conditions. FSS scores significantly improved ( P = 0.008 to 0.01) for 5/9 dimensions of flow experience (e.g. clear goals, sense of control) indicating DTP participants were immersed in the program and enjoyed it. Rehabilitation clients enjoy DTP however DTP appears to have limited added value beyond the provision of usual rehabilitation. Non-significant results are likely due to the choice of outcome measures.