Effect of Dance Therapy on the Physical Abilities of Older Adults with Dementia: A Systematic Review
- 1 December 2021
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Galenos Yayinevi in European Journal of Geriatrics and Gerontology
- Vol. 3 (3), 134-142
- https://doi.org/10.4274/ejgg.galenos.2021.2021-8-2
Abstract
Music and dance are used as therapies in different diseases to improve physical function. However, no reviews have been published on the impact of dance therapy on the physical functions of older adults with dementia. We conducted a systematic review of studies that reported the quantitative results of gait quality, gait speed, endurance, balance, strength, and the ability to perform activities of daily living. Six articles that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. The functional results of the included studies were very heterogeneous, which showed a possible positive effect on balance, walking speed, and the ability to perform activities of daily living. Future trials should explicitly and objectively set the criteria for the inclusion or exclusion of participants. In addition, randomized controlled trials with large samples are necessary to provide further evidence on the efficacy of different styles of dance compared with other types of physical activity.Keywords
This publication has 43 references indexed in Scilit:
- Preventing Loss of Independence through Exercise (PLIÉ): qualitative analysis of a clinical trial in older adults with dementiaAging & Mental Health, 2014
- The Effects of Salsa Dance on Balance, Gait, and Fall Risk in a Sedentary Patient With Alzheimer's Dementia, Multiple Comorbidities, and Recurrent FallsJournal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, 2013
- Dancing as a psychosocial intervention in care homes: a systematic review of the literatureInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 2012
- Introducing a Latin ballroom dance class to people with dementia living in care homes, benefits and concerns: A pilot studyDementia, 2012
- ‘Dancing down memory lane’: Circle dancing as a psychotherapeutic intervention in dementia—a pilot studyDementia, 2011
- Dance as a Community-Based Exercise in Older AdultsTopics in Geriatric Rehabilitation, 2010
- Recommendations for Implementing Tango Classes for Persons with Parkinson DiseaseAmerican Journal of Dance Therapy, 2010
- Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA StatementJournal of Clinical Epidemiology, 2009
- Expressive bodies: demented persons’ communication in a dance therapy contextHealth: An Interdisciplinary Journal for the Social Study of Health, Illness and Medicine, 2005
- Skill learning in patients with moderate Alzheimer's disease: a prospective pilot‐study of waltz‐lessonsInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 2002