Dance movement therapy and falls prevention

Abstract

Falls are a leading cause of morbidity, healthcare use and mortality. Dance is a popular form of physical activity among older people and previous research has suggested that it may improve various health outcomes in this population, including balance, gait and muscle performance. A systematic review of the potential benefits of dance on falls and fear of falling is lacking. Thus, we conducted a systematic review considering all randomized controls trials (RCTs) investigating if dance can reduce falls and improve fear of falling in older adults. Major databases were searched from inception until 1 March 2017 and a total of 10 RCTs were identified, which included a total of 680 people (n=356 dance, n=324 control). Overall, the mean age of the samples was 69.4 years, and 75.2% were female. Across four RCTs, dance therapy reduced falls versus usual care in only one study. Dance therapy improved fear of falling in two out of three included RCTs. There were no serious adverse events reported in the RCTs. In summary, we found a paucity of studies investigating the effect of dance on falls and fear of falling and the evidence base is preliminary and equivocal. Given the heterogeneity of the included samples and interventions, in addition to the short-term follow-up, no firm conclusions can be drawn. However, dance appears to be safe and, given its popularity and demonstrated benefits on other health/wellbeing outcomes in older adults, it is important that future research considers its potential benefits on falls/fear of falling in older age.

<p>Effect of dance on lower-limb range of motion in young people with cerebral palsy: a blinded randomized controlled clinical trial</p>

“…Similar to our findings, several researchers have elucidated the effects of dance on ROM in various disorders 3,10–13,17,20,22,32,35,36,38,42–45. Dance involves intentional movements, which supports the findings of our study that it increases ROM of lower limbs, as well as its influence on the movements of head, trunk, and upper limbs were also studied.…”

“…Besides, dance practice activates brain connections that influence neuroplasticity by connecting several areas of brain associated with perception, emotion, and motor planning 20,23,24,26–31. Some researchers claim neuromuscular actions are intertwined with perception and cognition processes, and the ability to perform tasks is directly related to its interaction with environment, and that determines its functional capability 25,32–36…”

Exploring purpose‐designed audio‐visual falls prevention messages on older people's capability and motivation to prevent falls

“…Two of the messages purposely depicted older people being physically active and focused on the fun and social aspects of these activities. However, depicting older people enjoying disco dancing as one example of a healthy and falls preventative activity (Veronese, Maggi, Schofield, & Stubbs, ) was dismissed by several participants who stated that they did not like dancing. Other reasons participants gave for not relating to the message were that they felt the messages were aimed at the wrong (i.e.…”

Study of the effects of adapted Tango and multidimensional intervention in pREvention of dementia in agiNG: developing healTHy lifestyle programs (STRENGTH Project)—the experimental protocol of a prospective randomised controlled trial

“…In particular, a randomised, controlled trial conducted in Italy evidenced specific psycho-social and physical benefits in applying PA based on dance, thanks to the improved balance capability and the reduced risk of falling in the enrolled elders [14]. Nevertheless, more studies regarding dance interventions in the Italian elderly population are needed [11].…”

“…PA programmes based on dance were proved to promote in the elderly population the preservation of functional mobility, the improvement of cognitive processes, mood status and well-being and reduction in the fear of falling [ 11 – 13 ]. In particular, a randomised, controlled trial conducted in Italy evidenced specific psycho-social and physical benefits in applying PA based on dance, thanks to the improved balance capability and the reduced risk of falling in the enrolled elders [ 14 ].…”