Dance Therapy Research Articles

Dance/exercise impact for adults with mental health disorders: a systematic review

This paper investigated the effect of dance and exercise on the health promotion of adults with mental health disorders. As mental health is a social issue, the characteristics of physical movement through dance and exercise were reviewed to find ways to effectively approach mental health services and treatment. Based on existing papers, a systematic review was conducted using Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus to comprehensively investigate and organise the correlation between physical movement and mental health, the characteristics of dance therapy, and psychotherapy of exercise. Studies have shown that dance and exercise therapy helps reduce side effects, relieve depression and anxiety from actual antipsychotics, and helps to recognise one’s problems and increase the willingness to treat them. New therapy development according to the online era and limitations according to difficulty need to be addressed.

The effects of a culturally informed community-based dance movement therapy programme for persons with Parkinson’s disease in India

Dance and movement therapy (DMT) and Western dance forms have been advocated for the effective management of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). This study focuses on including culturally relevant Indian dance concepts in developing and evaluating a community-based DMT programme for PD. This is the first comparative study on DMT for PD conducted in India, with a control group of a ‘physical exercise programme’. 34 People with Parkinson’s Disease (PwPs) were assigned to a ‘DMT intervention’ or a ‘Physical exercise group’ using convenience sampling and they attended weekly 90-minute sessions over 12 weeks. Mood, physical and cognitive functioning, and quality of life were measured pre-and post-interventions. Results and subjective feedback from PwPs suggest that DMT intervention was more effective in improving positive mood and reducing depression in PD as compared to the control group. This study concludes that culturally informed community-based DMT programmes hold promise as a supportive intervention for PwPs in India.

Dance as a mental health therapy in the Metaverse: exploring the therapeutic potential of Dance Movement Therapy as a non-pharmacological treatment in the Metaverse

IntroductionThis study conducts a detailed qualitative review of Alternative Therapies for mental health and proposes a novel design for integrating Non-Pharmacological Interventions into the Metaverse Extended Reality environments.Aim/questionThis study investigates the potential of the Extended Reality environments for Non-Pharmacological Interventions in Mental Health, with a specific focus on Dance Movement Therapy as a preventive and therapeutic strategy for anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.MethodThis study conducts qualitative evidence syntheses of primary quantitative data and performs meta-analyses of existing studies of participants reporting anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions.ResultsDance Movement Therapy in the extended reality environments shows promise as a viable alternative therapy, but data privacy and ethical considerations must be addressed.DiscussionThis study raises significant concerns regarding the privacy and security of participants' data, necessitating the storage of only the metadata in electronically compatible files, in cases where users' data is stored for long-term preservation.Implications for practiceThe outcomes of this study could revolutionize mental health practice, providing effective Non-Pharmacological Interventions for anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

Investigation of the effect of goal-oriented dance movement therapy on depressive symptoms in people with schizophrenia: a rater-blinded randomised controlled study

Background/Aims Depression is a common symptom in schizophrenia and can negatively affect treatment. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of goal‑oriented dance or movement therapy on depressive symptoms in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. Methods The study was designed as a randomised controlled rater‑blinded study, in which 32 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to either the intervention (dance movement therapy) group or control group. The intervention consisted of twice‑weekly goal‑oriented dance movement therapy sessions, with each session lasting approximately 40–50 minutes, for a total of 8 weeks. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia. Results The depressive symptoms before and after the intervention were compared. No significant differences between groups were observed at baseline. There was no change in the control group, whereas a significant improvement on depressive symptoms was observed in the total Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia score in the dance movement therapy group after the intervention. Conclusions Goal‑oriented dance movement therapy is an effective treatment for the depressive symptoms in schizophrenia patients in addition to conventional treatments. Although the results are favourable, further studies are needed to test its effectiveness. Implications for practice In the traditional treatment of schizophrenia, it is important to evaluate depression and support the treatment with approaches such as dance movement therapy.

Power to move through: A heuristic self-inquiry of dance movement processing within guided imagery and music

This study was a heuristic self-inquiry of the impact of dance movement therapy (DMT) sessions to process somatic and kinesthetic imagery experienced in Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) sessions. Full transcripts were taken for both DMT and GIM sessions to look for themes and intersections of how dance movement processing may have impacted or influenced the therapeutic integration of GIM sessions. There were four primary themes that emerged for how dance movement processing sessions impacted the researcher’s understanding of GIM sessions. These were reimaging with movement, moving for release of emotion, embodying transpersonal experiences, and movement as aesthetic response. Intentional re-imaging with movement allowed for a continuation of the process begun in GIM sessions, which created opportunities for emotional release and integration of self. Movement was a way of generating artistic response that helped further the researcher’s imaginal world of GIM. Personal reflections and implications for practice are given.

A Review of the International Music Conference Themed “Symbiosis of Arts and Cultures: Nurturing Expression, Connection, and Well-being”

The 5th International Conference of Faculty of Music, University of the Visual & Performing Arts 2023 (ICFM-2023) was held in the Faculty of Music premises in Colombo from 22 to 23 November 2023 with the main theme ‘Symbiosis of Arts and Cultures: Nurturing Expression, Connection, and Well-being’, brought together an assembly of over a hundred scholars and researchers from India and Sri Lanka and some other countries. The conference featured nineteen sessions delving into various dimensions of the musical landscape with the hope of fostering profound discussions across diverse areas such as music education, pedagogy, musicology, ethnomusicology, performing arts, music and technology, well-being and society, interdisciplinary connections in humanities, social and library sciences, exploring performing arts (including dance, theater and beyond), intangible cultural heritage with a focus on preservation and promotion, and visual art with interdisciplinary expression. Additionally, the program explored theoretical and practical aspects of music and dance therapy. Most participants shared their latest research in person, while some presented online. This conference enriched the knowledge of the participants as well as provided a platform for presenting studies on music and allied subject-related topics. Future music symposia can also introduce a wide variety of sessions to promote and inspire future researchers.

파킨슨병 환자의 인지 기능 개선에 대한 무용요법의 효과

This study is a systematic literature review focused on the effects of applying dance therapy to improve cognitive function in Parkinson’s disease patients. The keywords ‘dance’, ‘Parkinson’s diseases’, ‘non-motor’ and ‘cognitive function’ were used to search the literature published 2015 to 2021 on PubMed. Four studies were reviewed in this study. In all studies, the scores of MoCA, a cognitive function scale for Parkinson's diseases, increased. Moreover, one of the studies demonstrated statistically significant effects on depression and apathy, while another study showed an effect in reducing anxiety. However, only two studies showed statistically significant results in terms of cognitive function, indicating the need for further experimental research on the effects of dance therapy. Additionally, experimental studies considering factors such as sample size, dance genres, and intervention duration are required to establish the evidence for the application of dance therapy.

Exploring the implications of the metaverse: opportunities and challenges for dance movement therapy

This paper explores the integration of emerging technologies, specifically the metaverse and virtual reality (VR), into the field of dance movement therapy (DMT). The metaverse is conceptualised as a unified, immersive 3D virtual environment that transcends the limitations of the physical world. The author includes vignettes illustrating the practical application of VR in therapy and relaxation as used currently and speculates about the potential future applications of multi-sensory virtual environments. The paper reflects on the concept of embodiment in VR and its potential implications for DMT, discussing the convergence and divergence of principles. The paper concludes with a discussion on the ethical considerations, highlighting privacy, data security, informed consent, accessibility, inclusivity, psychological impact, therapeutic boundaries, cultural sensitivity, efficacy, evidence-based practice, and ethical development and deployment.

THE ROLE OF BALLROOM DANCES IN THE FORMATION OF SOCIAL SKILLS AND INTERACTION WITH OTHERS

The research is dedicated to exploring the multifaceted impact of ballroom dancing on the development of social skills and the enhancement of interpersonal interactions. It delves into how this form of dance transcends its artistic boundaries to become a significant tool in social and personal development. The primary aim of this study is to systematically analyze and understand the ways in which ballroom dancing contributes to the formation and enhancement of social skills. It seeks to establish a connection between the physical and psychological aspects of ballroom dancing and their collective influence on an individual’s ability to interact and communicate effectively within a social context. The research employs a combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including literature review, observational studies. It integrates the analysis of academic journals, dance therapy reports, and firsthand observations from dance studios and educational settings. The findings of the study highlight the significant role of ballroom dancing in improving communication skills, fostering teamwork and respect, enhancing self-esteem and posture, providing cultural education, facilitating emotional expression, and improving physical health and coordination. This research underscores the practical application of ballroom dancing as a tool for enhancing social skills in educational and therapeutic settings. It provides insights for educators, therapists, and dance professionals on utilizing ballroom dancing as an effective medium for fostering social and personal development.

Does dance therapy benefit the improvement of blood pressure and blood lipid in patients with hypertension? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Hypertension is a risk factor of cardiovascular disease. Dance, a type of aerobic exercise, is beneficial as a therapy in reducing blood pressure. This study aimed to systematically review the therapeutic effectiveness of dance therapy (DT) on blood pressure and blood lipid of patients with hypertension. Searching CNKI, VIP, Wan Fang Databases, CBM, PubMed, EBSCO (MEDLINE), Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about dance therapy in the treatment of patients with hypertension according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, with the search time ranged from the date of database construction to January 2024. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and PEDro were used to evaluate the risk of included trials. The meta-analysis was implemented by using RevMan 5.4 and Stata 12.0 software. A total of 983 patients were included in 11 randomized controlled trials. According to the meta-analysis, compared with the control group, Dance Therapy effectively reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) [MD = -7.45, 95% CI (-8.50, -6.39), p < 0.0001] and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) [MD = -2.95, 95% CI (-3.78, -2.13), p < 0.0001], and it increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) [MD = 0.20, 95% CI (-0.02, 0.42), p < 0.0001]. The subgroup analysis results showed that the treatment efficacy was more excellent with the frequency more than 3 times per week, the cycle less than 12 weeks, and the duration less than 60 min every time. The results indicates that SBP, DBP, and HDL-C in hypertensive patients have been effectively improved after dance therapy intervention. In addition, it is recommended to implement dance therapy for hypertensive patients with a treatment cycle of 12 weeks, and treat at least 3 times a week, with each treatment duration controlled within 60 min. [http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO], identifier [CRD42024500807].

Comparing the Effectiveness of Music Therapy, Dance Movement, and Art Therapy on the Mistrust/Mistreatment Schema in Women with Symptoms of Depression Aged 20-30

Objective: The present study aimed to compare the impact of music therapy, dance movement, and art therapy on the mistrust/mistreatment schema among women aged 20 to 30 with symptoms of depression visiting counseling centers in Tehran. Method: This research is applied in purpose and quasi-experimental in method, employing a pre-test - post-test design. The population consisted of all women aged 20 to 30 with symptoms of depression who visited four counseling centers in Tehran, among whom 60 eligible individuals were purposively selected and randomly assigned to four groups (three experimental and one control). Interventions based on the therapeutic protocol (music therapy and dance movement, art therapy) were conducted in eight sessions for the experimental groups, while the control group received no intervention. To test the hypotheses, the Young Schema Questionnaire (1988) (short form of 90 questions) was used. Descriptive and inferential statistical indices, including the covariance test, were utilized for data analysis. Findings: The results showed no significant differences in the effectiveness of music therapy, art therapy, and dance therapy on the mistrust/mistreatment schema among women aged 20 to 30 with symptoms of depression visiting counseling centers in Tehran (p = 0.000). Conclusion: It can be concluded that since all three methods of music therapy, art therapy, and dance movement are forms of art therapy, they all affect the mistrust/mistreatment schema, and there is no significant difference in their effectiveness.

Examining the impact of dance/movement therapy on empathy, peer relationships, and cultural self-efficacy in middle school: A mixed methods study

Despite efforts to promote inclusivity in schools, ethnic bullying is a pervasive issue. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of empathy and cultural self efficacy within cross-cultural friendships to mitigate ethnic bullying. Violence prevention programs in the United States rely on didactic approaches and few include embodied approaches. Our goal was to examine the impact of dance/movement therapy (DMT) on empathy, peer relationships, and cultural self-efficacy among racially/ethnically diverse groups of middle school students using a mixed methods research design. Quantitative data did not demonstrate significant change in empathy, peer relationships, and cultural self-efficacy. Qualitative data described an increase in participants’ emotional intelligence including empathy, cultural self-efficacy, and positive cross-cultural relationships. Additional research is needed to determine the definitive impact of DMT on these outcomes.

Garba Dance Is Effective in Parkinson's Disease Patients: A Pilot Study.

Dance as therapy is gaining attention as an adjuvant option for Parkinson's disease (PD). Assessing culturally popular dance forms is crucial for promoting the acceptance of dance therapy in a culturally sensitive context. The pilot study evaluated the efficacy of Garba dance for alleviating motor symptoms, nonmotor symptoms, cognitive functions, and mood. Furthermore, this pilot study also assessed the tolerability and safety of this dance form using fatigue severity scale and assessing falls, respectively. Eligible participants with mild-to-moderate PD (H&Y stage 1 to 2.5) were sequentially randomized into the dance therapy, physical therapy, or control groups. Motor symptoms, nonmotor symptoms, cognitive functions, and mood were assessed using standard scales at baseline, week 6, and week 12. Tolerability was measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale, and safety was assessed by monitoring falls. In the Garba dance group, significant improvements in UPDRS scores were observed at week 6 (p=0.002) and week 12 (p < 0.001) compared to baseline. At week 12, UPDRS scores were better in the Garba dance group as compared to the control and physical therapy groups. Freezing of gait significantly improved at week 6 (p < 0.001) and week 12 (p < 0.001) in the Garba dance group. Garba dance also led to significant improvements in mood and sleep. Tolerability was favorable, with significantly better fatigue severity scores in the Garba dance group at week 12 compared to controls and physical therapy. About 6 patients in Garba dance group experienced near falls. Underscoring a cautious optimism, results of the current study indicate that Garba dance may be an effective, safe, and well-tolerated intervention for Indian patients with mild-to-moderate PD (H&Y stage 1 to 2.5).

The Application of the Dance Movement Therapy in the Rehabilitation of Adolescent Patients with Schizophrenia

The Application of the Dance Movement Therapy in the Rehabilitation of Adolescent Patients with Schizophrenia

Research on the Effect of Dance Therapy on Improving Social Communication Ability of Children with Autism

Research on the Effect of Dance Therapy on Improving Social Communication Ability of Children with Autism

자폐스펙트럼장애 청소년의 감정조절과 상호작용 향상을 위한 DMT

This research aims to analyze the effects of DMT(Dance , Movement Therapy) on emotional regulation and interaction in adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD). The program consisted of 12 sessions, each lasting 60 minutes and conducted weekly. The research utilized video recordings of each sesstions, House-Tree-Person (HTP) test, Laban Movement Analysis (LMA) and inter-observer agreement to accumulate qualitative case study data through in-depth discussions and journals. The research findings inditcate that, following the DMT program, there were improvements in emotional regulation among adolescents with ASD. Firstly, changes in repetitive movements and expqanstion processes led to a decrease in anger, anxiety and excitement in psychological emotional regulation. Additionally, increased self-confidence in behavior and reduced anxiety towards new spaces were observed. Secondly, immature emotional regulation manifested as impulsive disruptive behavior, aggressive behavior, and repetitive behavior showed a decrease. In terms of interation among adolescents with ASD, the results showed stable improvements in voluntary and proactive participation with relational and social peer relationships. It is hoped that the results of this study will contribute to individualized research for individuals with ASD, and future research on ASD across various age groups is anticipated to continue.

국내 무용동작치료 효과에 대한 메타분석

This study conducted a meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of dance movement therapy programs in South Korea. We selected 58 studies from 2005 to January 2022 that met specific criteria, such as degree theses and pre-post experimental design. The overall effect size, calculated using a random-effects model, was found to be substantial at 1.43. We found that the programs targeting males and older adults had the highest effect size, those explicitly incorporating a theoretical approach showed better results, and there were no significant differences based on dependent variables. Additionally, programs with 16 to 20 participants, 10 to 14 sessions, and session durations of 60 to 90 minutes demonstrated the most significant effect sizes. This research provides valuable insights into the development and operation of dance movement therapy programs in South Korea.

국내 무용동작치료 효과에 대한 메타분석

This study conducted a meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of dance movement therapy programs in South Korea. We selected 58 studies from 2005 to January 2022 that met specific criteria, such as degree theses and pre-post experimental design. The overall effect size, calculated using a random-effects model, was found to be substantial at 1.43. We found that the programs targeting males and older adults had the highest effect size, those explicitly incorporating a theoretical approach showed better results, and there were no significant differences based on dependent variables. Additionally, programs with 16 to 20 participants, 10 to 14 sessions, and session durations of 60 to 90 minutes demonstrated the most significant effect sizes. This research provides valuable insights into the development and operation of dance movement therapy programs in South Korea.

Innovative Therapies: Diverse Applications of Dance into Physiotherapy

While traditional physiotherapy focuses on functional restoration, this paper delves into the multiple applications of dance in physiotherapy, including its role in motor rehabilitation, neurological rehabilitation, pain management, cardiorespiratory rehabilitation, and emotional and mental health. This line of thinking emphasises not only the biomechanical structure of the body, but also the psychological, emotional and social dimensions. In addition, we present innovative physiotherapy approaches that combine dance and rehabilitation to provide patients with more comprehensive treatment options. Future research and practice will require a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of dance and physiotherapy and more extensive randomised controlled clinical trials to validate their effectiveness. It is also important to understand patients' perceptions of dance therapy to better meet their needs. Taken together, this paper highlights the potential of dance in the field of rehabilitation to provide promising therapeutic avenues for improving patients' quality of life.

Analysis of the effect of dance therapy intervention in inpatient schizophreni

The high predominance of non-drug consistency among those with schizophrenia and the many symptoms of solution antipsychotics support the utilization of dance/development treatment in the treatment of individuals with schizophrenia. This assessment of the writing centers on the utilization of dance/practice treatment to decrease the symptoms of antipsychotics and increment prescription adherence. We took a gander at the shame, the scope of side effects that might show, diminished knowledge, and developmental irregularities, among the different difficulties people with schizophrenia face. Moreover examined were the inconvenient consequences for close to home, conduct, and mental working. The writing on body mindfulness, the connection between the psyche and body, active work, self-articulation, and an assortment of other dance/development treatment methods were likewise inspected after a survey of the exploration on the utilization of dance/development treatment with individuals who have been determined to have schizophrenia. By showing the patient the conceivable results of their meds and decreasing their incapacitating impacts on mental, social, and close-to-home working, dance/development treatment has the ability to work on substantial mindfulness.