Exploring the effects of combining health qigong and dance on working memory in middle-aged and elderly women: A preliminary investigation.

OBJECTIVE: Cognitive decline represents a critical clinical and public health issue that adversely affects the quality of life for older patients and their families. This concern was exacerbated by the reduced engagement in outdoor activities among seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting substantial challenges to aging societies. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of health qigong combined with Tibetan dance on working memory in middle-aged and elderly women, and to determine its potential as a preventive strategy against cognitive disorders. METHODS: A pilot study was conducted to compare the effects of a Health Qigong exercise intervention with those of everyday life and sports routines. The primary outcome measure was working memory assessed using a 2-Back working memory task research paradigm. Between July and September 2021, a total of 33 women were divided into four groups: two middle-aged groups (N = 18, with 8 women in the experimental group and 10 in the control group) and two elderly groups (N = 15, with 7 in the experimental group and 8 in the control group). Participants in the experimental groups underwent a 10-week intervention, consisting of three 60-min sessions per week. Each session included a warm-up, Health Qigong combined with Tibetan dance, and a cool-down. Throughout the study, all participants continued their daily routines. Response times and error rates were analyzed using a mixed-design repeated-measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: A simple effects analysis revealed that Health Qigong combined with Tibetan dance significantly enhanced 2-Back response time and error rate in the middle-aged group. In contrast, the 2-Back error rate significantly increased in the elderly control group that did not receive the intervention (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Health Qigong demonstrates beneficial effects on middle-aged and elderly women. Combining Health Qigong with dance may serve as a preventive measure against cognitive disorders. This pioneering study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, assesses the new possibility of Health Qigong and dance, with the objective to offer more diverse indoor exercise options for middle-aged and elderly women.

Women with disabilities, body image, and wellbeing: Assessing the effectiveness of dance sessions.

INTRODUCTION: There is growing research evidence on bodily discourses and body image issues of women with disabilities. Within the art-based intervention repertoire for persons with disabilities, dance and movement-based therapies and interventions are gaining prominence. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of dance sessions (delivered online) on body image, body satisfaction/dissatisfaction, and wellbeing of women with disabilities. METHOD: A quasi-experimental waitlist control design study was conducted with data collected at two time points: baseline or pre-test and five-months later or post-test. Outcomes were measured using the Body Image Scale and the WHO-5-Wellbeing Index. RESULTS: The dance sessions were effective (Hedges' g = -0.56 -0.88; p < 0.01) and post-test body dissatisfaction scores were lower and wellbeing scores were higher for participants with a college degree or postgraduate degree, self-employed or students, and whose intervention compliance was above threshold (>50% dance sessions attended and corresponding homework sessions completed). Tobit regression models indicated that it was possible to estimate post-test outcomes due to dance sessions alone, controlling for significant socio-demographics. DISCUSSION: The domain knowledge of non-pharmacological art-based interventions for persons with disabilities, particularly women, is supported. CONCLUSIONS: Findings commend dance sessions as effective psychotherapeutic mechanisms to mitigate body dissatisfaction, improve body image and wellbeing of women with disabilities. Future research may focus on large-scale cross-sectional trials, variations in the repertoire for women with different disability types and histories, and qualitative narratives.

Clinical study of dance art therapy on hospitalized patients with chronic schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: To explore the effect of dance art on the treatment of hospitalized patients with chronic schizophrenia. METHODS: In a prospective randomized controlled study conducted from June 2019 to June 2020, 120 patients from Shanghai Pudong New Area Mental Health Center were divided into intervention (n = 60) and control (n = 60) groups using a random number table. Control patients received standard drug treatment and nursing care, while the intervention group underwent dance art therapy sessions for 90 minutes twice weekly, in addition to standard care. Treatment outcomes after 6 and 12 weeks were measured using the positive and negative symptom scale (PANSS), Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: This study involved 120 male patients with chronic schizophrenia, aged 30 to 60 years. After 6 and 12 weeks, the intervention group showed a greater reduction in PANSS scores (intervention group: from 49.02 ±â€…2.53 to 37.02 ±â€…1.83, control group: from 49.08 ±â€…2.59 to 44.91 ±â€…2.35, P < .05). In the WCST, the intervention group exhibited a higher increase in classification completion and correct answers, and a greater decrease in errors (P < .05). MoCA scores improved significantly in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < .05). BMI decreased in both groups, with a more pronounced reduction in the intervention group (intervention group: from 26.47 ±â€…1.05 kg/m² to 22.87 ±â€…0.73 kg/m², control group: from 26.50 ±â€…1.03 kg/m² to 26.22 ±â€…0.80 kg/m², P < .05). CONCLUSION: Based on routine drug treatment and routine nursing care, dance art has a better clinical effect in treating hospitalized patients with chronic schizophrenia, which can improve cognitive function, alleviate clinical symptoms, and reduce BMI.

Experiences and perceived benefits of remotely delivered dance/movement therapy for adult cancer patients: a multi-method program evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Dance/movement therapy (DMT) is increasingly used as a complementary treatment to address psychological and physical wellbeing. However, it is unknown how it can be leveraged in adult cancer care. This mixed methods program evaluation aimed to assess patient-reported benefits and satisfaction with the virtual DMT in an academic oncology setting. METHODS: We developed, implemented, and evaluated a 6-week virtual, synchronous DMT program aiming to improve physical health, address mental distress, and foster social connection for cancer patients. We used deidentified program evaluation data to assess impact of DMT on patient-reported outcomes and patients' satisfaction with the DMT program. Pre- and post-session data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a paired t-test. Qualitative data were captured through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Results from 39 participants (mean age 64.7 ± 9.8), majority female (89.7%) with a history of breast cancer (43.6%), showed high satisfaction (100%) and unanimous program recommendation (100%). Significant improvements were noted in anxiety (- 0.42 ± 0.76, p = .009), distress (- 0.35 ± 0.80, p = .036), and sense of joy (0.73 ± 1.18, p = .004), with a non-significant trend in increased physical activity (0.38 ± 0.98, p = .057). Thematic findings indicated that DMT participation (1) facilitated engagement in physical activity for improved physical health, (2) fostered creative expression, (3) improved mental state, and (4) helped build social connections and support. CONCLUSION: Our DMT program shows promise as a component of integrative cancer care. The mixed-method evaluation provides insightful information to generate hypotheses for future RCT studies aiming to evaluate the specific effects of DMT on patient experience and outcomes.

Effectiveness of dance interventions for falls prevention in older adults: systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Fall prevention is a global health priority. Strength and balance exercise programmes are effective at reducing falls. Emerging literature suggests dance is an enjoyable and sociable form of exercise. However, there is little evidence that dance reduces fall incidence. METHODS: Systematic review and meta-analysis examining effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of dance for falls prevention in older adults. Five databases were searched with no restrictions on publication date or intervention settings. Risk of bias was assessed using variants of Cochrane Risk of bias tools, Mixed-Methods Appraisal and Drummond checklist as appropriate. Certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE. RESULTS: Forty-one studies were included (19 RCTs, 13 quasi-experimental, two mixed-method, seven observational studies, 2,451 participants). Five types of dance interventions were identified: ballroom and Latin dance, dance exercise, cultural dance, dance therapy, and low-impact dance. Meta-analysis was only possible for functional outcome measures: Timed-Up-and-Go (dance versus usual care, mean difference (MD) = 1.36; 95% CI -3.57 to 0.85), Sit-to-Stand (dance versus exercise MD = -0.85; 95% CI -2.64 to 0.93: dance versus education MD = -1.64; 95% CI -4.12 to 0.85), Berg Balance Scale (dance versus usual care MD = 0.61; 95% CI -4.26 to 5.47). There was unexplained variance in effects and no significant differences between intervention and control groups. Overall, certainty of evidence was very low; we are uncertain about the effect of dance interventions in reducing falls. CONCLUSIONS: There is very low certainty evidence for dance as an alternative to strength and balance training if the aim is to prevent falls. No robust evidence on the cost-effectiveness of dance interventions for the prevention of falls was found. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42022382908.

Moving together - benefits of an online dance program on physical and mental health for older women: an exploratory mixed-method study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies show that in-person dance training is a beneficial form of physical activity that involves mental, social, and physical dimensions. This exploratory study investigated the benefits of a 12-week online dance training intervention on mental and physical health outcomes for older women. METHODS: A convergent parallel mixed-method design was used. Forty-five older adults (74.0 ± 5.3 yrs old, 44 women) were recruited through advertisements at activity and rehabilitation centers in the North Denmark region. The intervention consisted of two weekly 60-min classes of improvisation and salsa delivered online through video call applications. Changes in physical health outcomes (body mass and composition, resting blood pressure, Senior Fitness Test battery) and self-rated health and wellbeing (health-related quality of life (HRQOL), feelings of loneliness) were assessed prior to and after 12 weeks of dancing. Focus group interviews were conducted post-intervention to further explore the benefits as well as the participant's experience of the intervention. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data was conducted. RESULTS: Thirty-two participants (all women) completed the study. Significant improvements in fitness were found for the number of arm curls performed (baseline: 12.3 ± 3.0; post-intervention: 13.7 ± 3.0, P = 0.005), 2-min step test performance (baseline: 66.5 ± 20.0 reps.; post-intervention: 73.8 ± 22.6 reps., P = 0.016), and chair sit-and-reach (baseline: 0.4 ± 11.3 cm; post-intervention: 5.5 ± 10.1 cm, P < 0.001). There was a significant increase in body mass from baseline to post-intervention (P < 0.015). The themes from the focus groups included (1) Participation, (2) Challenges, (3) Progression, (4) Motivation, (5) Perceived health and wellbeing, and (6) Online dance instruction. No significant changes were reported in HRQOL and loneliness from the quantitative data, although the qualitative data did reveal improved feelings of physical health and wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention improved several aspects of fitness in older women and improved the participants' perceptions of their own physical abilities and wellbeing. While most participants found the online intervention enjoyable, several participants missed the feedback from the instructors that naturally occurs with in-person instruction.

Using theory knitting to conceptualize social phenomena in the design and evaluation of dance programs for people living with Parkinson's disease.

Dance programs for people living with Parkinson's disease (PwPD) offer participants an opportunity to exercise, engage in artistic self-expression, and form new relationships. While it is understood that the social dimension of dance programs for PwPD contributes to dancer satisfaction and program sustainability, the social mechanisms instrumental to program success are under-examined. Engaging with theory from wider disciplines, or "theory knitting" can help program designers and evaluators examine the mechanisms and contextual factors that make classes socially meaningful with greater detail and specificity. This study identified and examined three theoretical frameworks that program planners and evaluators could use to conceptualize social engagement in dance for PwPD contexts and inform practice. Each theory was assessed for fit using the T-CaST theory comparison and selection tool developed by Birken et al. (2018). As an example, we used anthropologist Victor Turner's (1970; 1977) theory of liminality and communitas to identify five key areas for fostering a sense of social connection in dance for PwPD contexts: (1) selecting a meaningful dance space (2) creating a joyous atmosphere (3) marking entrance into the liminal time and space with rituals (4) embodying liminality and anti-structure and (5) inverting power relations and embracing fluid roles.

A dança no processo terapêutico: trânsitos do universo de si para o autoconhecimento e libertação dos nódulos emocionais / Dance in the therapeutic process: transitis from the self-universe to self-knowledge and release from emotional nodules / La danza en el proceso terapéutico: transitos del universo del yo al autoconocimiento y liberación de nódulos emocionales

O ser humano é um ser que se constrói, apresenta e reverbera, no mínimo, em dois universos, que não são opostos; são complementares, e se pronunciam em relações multidirecionais, plurais e imbricadas em rizomas físicos, mentais, emocionais e espirituais. Somos seres individuais e coletivos, onde tecemos uma complexa trama relacional tanto no campo da razão quanto das emoções. No entanto, essas últimas são territórios muito, e quase sempre, negligenciados por nós. Nesse artigo, propomos trazer reflexões sobre nossos estados de desajustes emocionais e levando o olhar para a dança como potencialidades de se conhecer de forma mais verdadeira e honesta no intuito de repensarmos nosso conceito de saúde (AU)

The human being is a being that is constructed, presented, and reverberates, at least, in two universes which are not opposites, are com-plementary and are pronounced in multidirectional, plural relationships and imbricated in physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual rhizomes. We are individual and collective beings where we weave a complex rela-tional web both in the Field of reason and emotions. However, the latter are territories that are very anl almost ways neglected by us. In this ar-ticle we propose to bring reflections on our states of emotional mal ad-justment and taking the look at dance as a potential to know each other more truthfully and honestly to rethink our concept of health (AU).

El ser humano es un ser que se construye, se presenta y re-percute, por lo menos, em dos universos que no son opuestos, son com-plementarios y se manifiestan em relaciones multidireccionales, plurales e imbricados en rizomas físicos, mentales, emocionales y espirituales. Somos seres individuales y colectivos donde tenemos una compleja red relacional tanto en El campo de la razón como em El de las emociones. Sin embargo, estos últimos son territorios muy y casi siempre descui-dados por nosotros. Em este artículo nos proponemos traer reflexiones sobre nuestros estados de desajuste emocional y la mirada a la danza como potencial para conocérnoslas veraz y honestamente para repen-sar nuestro concepto de salud (AU).

Findings from a pragmatic cluster randomised controlled feasibility trial of a music and dance programme for community dwelling older adults.

INTRODUCTION: Functional decline, chronic illness, reduced quality of life and increased healthcare utilisation are common in older adults. Evidence suggests music and dance can support healthy ageing in older adults. This study explored the feasibility, potential for effect and cost effectiveness of the Music and Movement for Health (MMH) programme among community-dwelling older adults using a pragmatic cluster-randomised, controlled feasibility trial design. METHODS: Community-dwelling adults aged 65 years or older were recruited to seven clusters in the Mid-West region of Ireland. Clusters were block randomised to either the MMH intervention or control. Primary feasibility outcomes included recruitment, retention, adherence, fidelity, and safety. Secondary outcomes measured physical activity, physical and cognitive performance, and psychosocial well-being, along with healthcare utilisation were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. RESULTS: The study successfully met feasibility targets, with recruitment (n = 100), retention (91 %), adherence (71 %), data completeness (92 %) and intervention fidelity (21 out of 24) all meeting predetermined criteria. Both groups exhibited an increase in self-reported physical activity and improved physical function. Participants in the intervention group scored consistently better in psychosocial measures compared to the control group at follow-up. The health economic analysis confirmed the feasibility of the methodology employed and points to the potential cost-effectiveness of the MMH relative to the control or no organised programme. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: The MMH intervention and study design were found to be feasible and acceptable with important findings to inform future evaluation of the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a definitive randomised controlled trial.

Effectiveness of dance movement therapy and dance movement interventions on cancer patients' health-related outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This review examined the effectiveness of using dance movement therapy (DMT) and dance movement interventions (DMIs) with cancer and palliative care patients. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Six databases were searched from inception to July 9, 2022, without limits on year or age. Searching was updated on July 10, 2023. The risk of bias was assessed by the Cochrane (RoB 2) and ROBINS-I tools. Meta-analyses were conducted to pool estimates of the effects of DMT and DMI on patients' health-related outcomes. A narrative synthesis of outcomes was performed where meta-analysis was not appropriate. RESULTS: Among a total of 16 studies included in this review, nine were randomized controlled trials and seven were non-randomized trials, with a total of 893 participants. Only six of these studies were fully or partially described as true DMTs (some with less clarity than others), whereas the majority (n = 10) were DMIs with unclear therapeutic alignment. Most studies focused on female patients with breast cancer. Cancer patients undergoing palliative care received little attention. The overall risk of bias from the evaluated studies was high. Meta-analysis of two trials revealed that DMTs had no effect on QOL in cancer patients (SMD - 0.09, 95% CI - 0.21-0.40, P = 0.54), while narrative analysis and non-randomized trials showed no overall effect of DMTs on anxiety, depression, body image, self-esteem, or sleep disturbance but significant positive effects on perceived stress, pain severity, and pain interference. DMIs had significant positive effects on cancer patients' depression (SMD - 0.53, 95% CI - 0.93 to - 0.14, P = 0.008) and fatigue (SMD - 0.42, 95% CI - 0.70 to - 0.14, P = 0.003). DMI trials synthesized narratively showed an effect on patients' body image, self-esteem, physical function, right and left handgrip strength, life satisfaction, and the mental component of QOL. CONCLUSION: Both DMT and DMIs had promising effects on several health outcomes, but results were inconsistent, and the evidence was weak. The reviewed studies' low evidence quality and small sample sizes affected the findings' robustness and reliability. Large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials with sufficient sample sizes, and clear and veracious DMT and DMI protocols and data are required to provide more credible research evidence and influence practice.

Self-Guided DMT: Exploring a Novel Paradigm of Dance Movement Therapy in Mixed Reality for Children with ASD.

Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often exhibit motor disorders. Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) has shown great potential for improving the motor control ability of children with ASD. However, traditional DMT methods often lack vividness and are difficult to implement effectively. To address this issue, we propose a Mixed Reality DMT approach, utilizing interactive virtual agents. This approach offers immersive training content and multi-sensory feedback. To improve the training performance of children with ASD, we introduce a novel training paradigm featuring a self-guided mode. This paradigm enables the rapid creation of a virtual twin agent of the child with ASD using a single photo to embody oneself, which can then guide oneself during training. We conducted an experiment with the participation of 24 children diagnosed with ASD (or ASD propensity), recording their training performance under various experimental conditions. Through expert rating, behavior coding of training sessions, and statistical analysis, our findings revealed that the use of the twin agent for self-guidance resulted in noticeable improvements in the training performance of children with ASD. These improvements were particularly evident in terms of enhancing movement quality and refining overall target-related responses. Our study holds clinical potential in the field of medical treatment and rehabilitation for children with ASD.

The Effectiveness of Dance Interventions on Psychological and Cognitive Health Outcomes Compared with Other Forms of Physical Activity: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is known to improve psychological and cognitive outcomes. Learning dance sequences may challenge cognition, partnered or group dance may benefit social interactions, and the artistic aspect may improve psychological wellbeing. Dance is an equally effective form of physical activity compared with other structured physical activities to improve physical health, but it is unclear how effective dance could be for psychological and cognitive outcome measures. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the literature on the effectiveness of structured dance interventions, compared with structured exercise programmes, on psychological and cognitive outcomes across the lifespan. METHODS: Eight databases were searched from earliest records to July 2022. Studies investigating a dance intervention lasting ≥ 4 weeks, including psychological and/or cognitive health outcomes, and having a structured exercise comparison group were included. Screening and data extraction were performed by two independent reviewers at all stages. All reviewer disagreements were resolved by the primary author. Where appropriate, meta-analysis was performed, or an effect size estimate generated. RESULTS: Of 21,737 records identified, 27 studies met the inclusion criteria. Total sample size of included studies was 1392 (944 females, 418 males, 30 unreported). Dance was equally as effective as other physical activity interventions in improving quality of life for people with Parkinson's disease [mean difference 3.09; 95% confidence interval (CI) - 2.13 to 8.30; p = 0.25], reducing anxiety (standardised mean difference 2.26; 95% CI - 2.37 to 6.90; p = 0.34), and improving depressive symptoms (standardised mean difference 0.78; 95% CI - 0.92 to 2.48; p = 0.37). Preliminary evidence found dance to be superior to other physical activity interventions to improve motivation, aspects of memory, and social cognition and to reduce distress. Preliminary evidence found dance to be inferior to other physical activity interventions to improve stress, self-efficacy and language fluency. CONCLUSION: Undertaking structured dance of any genre is generally equally and occasionally more effective than other types of structured exercise for improving a range of psychological and cognitive outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO: CRD42018099637.

The effect of dance on mental health and quality of life of people with Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and three-level meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Dance has emerged as a comprehensive intervention for enhancing well-being in this population. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of dance on mental health and quality of life among individuals with PD. METHODS: Three databases were searched in December 2022. Research papers comparing the effects of dance with a non-dance control on the quality of life or mental health of individuals with PD were included. Two authors independently screened the studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality of eligible studies. To address the interdependence of effect sizes within studies, the three-level meta-analysis approach was employed to analyze the data. RESULTS: Thirteen trials involving a total of 496 participants were included, with 11 being subjected to statistical analysis. The results indicated that dance had a positive impact on mental health (g = 0.43, 95 % CI = [0.11, 0.75]) and quality of life (g = 0.46, 95 % CI = [-0.04, 0.95]) when compared to passive control groups. Moderator analyses revealed that non-partnered dance and dance interventions with lower total dosages were particularly beneficial for mental health. CONCLUSION: Dance interventions are an effective lifestyle activity for enhancing mental health and quality of life in individuals with PD. A theoretical framework is proposed to explain the impact of dance on well-being from neurological, social, physical, and psychological perspectives.

Caregiver Resilience and Dance/Movement Therapy: A Theoretical Review and Conceptual Model.

With the population aging, more people are living with neurodegenerative conditions, leading to an influx of informal family caregivers, who often experience negative health outcomes. Few caregiver interventions have successfully adopted a holistic, strengths-based approach to fostering resilience. This article examines existing literature on caregiver resilience factors, which include self-efficacy, flexibility, cultivating positive emotions, and drawing on spiritual and social supports. Despite how dance/movement therapy (DMT) has been shown to foster psychological and physiological benefits, it remains underexplored for caregivers. Therapeutic mechanisms of DMT are expounded for their innate correspondence to resilience factors, and a new comprehensive model of DMT for caregiver resilience is presented, with implications for future intervention design and measurement.

"Embodying opposites"-A case illustration of Dance Movement Therapy as an additional intervention in the treatment of co-morbid Borderline Personality Disorder and Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Dance Movement Therapy is gradually becoming recognized as a treatment option in Mental Health Care. However, the working mechanisms can be difficult to comprehend without experiential knowledge of this therapy form. This article aims to offer insight into the clinical application of Dance Movement Therapy for Sanne, a woman with a history of interpersonal relationship difficulties, problems with self-regulation, low self-efficacy and diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder and co-morbid Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. This case illustration describes treatment interventions during two months of bi-monthly Dance Movement Therapy as an additional treatment alongside weekly group therapy and bi-monthly individual Psychotherapy. Post treatment, Sanne demonstrates improvements in self-regulatory behavior, interpersonal relationships and self-efficacy as well as an experience she describes as being whole. This article highlights the implications for practitioners of embodied forms of therapy as well as multidisciplinary teams who wish to better understand how the use of opposites within Dance Movement Therapy may be used as an additional intervention for people with Borderline Personality Disorder and co-morbid complex Post Traumatic stress Disorder.

Análisis de la danza como herramienta educativa para el alumnado con Síndrome de Down: revisión narrativa / Analysis of dance as an educational tool for students with Down Syndrome: narrative review / Análise da dança como ferramenta educativa para alunos com Síndrome de Down: revisão narrativa

Resumen La danza es una actividad físico-deportiva y artística idónea para el desarrollo integral del alumnado y puede considerarse como promotora de inclusión. Por ello, el objetivo de este estudio fue realizar una revisión narrativa relacionada con los beneficios que aporta la danza en el alumnado con Síndrome de Down (SD) en la etapa de educación infantil. Para realizar la búsqueda de los documentos, se emplearon las palabras clave: "Child Education", "Dance" y "Down Syndrome". Los manuscritos fueron buscados en las bases de datos Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus y PubMed, hasta enero de 2023. Para ajustar la búsqueda al objeto de estudio, se estableció una serie de criterios de inclusión: i) cualquier tipo de documento científico relacionado con la temática; ii) manuscritos que indiquen, en el cuerpo del texto, al menos una descripción de los alumnos con SD de una longitud mínima de 50 palabras; iii) documentos realizados en inglés, español y/o portugués; y, iv) manuscritos que permitan obtener el texto completo; se obtuvo un total de 9 documentos. Los resultados mostraron una escasez de documentos en relación con el ámbito de estudio, como consecuencia de ser una temática muy específica. Asimismo, los manuscritos incluidos en esta revisión reportan que los beneficios que podrían obtenerse de la danza para el alumnado con SD están relacionados con la conciencia y el control postural, la mejora de aspectos sociales y mejoras a nivel cognitivo y emocional, así como el disfrute. Por ello, se recomienda ampliar el número de investigaciones futuras relacionadas con la danza en el sistema educativo y, concretamente, en la etapa de educación infantil, debido a los múltiples beneficios que aporta al alumnado con discapacidad.

Abstract Dance is a physical/sports and artistic activity appropriate to the comprehensive development of students, and can be considered as a means to promote inclusion. Thus, the objective of this study was to carry out a narrative review related to the benefits of dance in students with Down Syndrome (DS) in the child education stage. In order to carry out the search of documents, the keywords "Child Education", "Dance", and "Down Syndrome" were used. Manuscripts were searched in the Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and PubMed data bases, up to January, 2023. In order to adjust the search of the object of study, a series of inclusion criteria was established: i) any type of scientific document relating to the topic; ii) manuscripts indicating, within the text body, at least one description of the students with DS that is at least 50 words in length; iii) documents written in English, Spanish and/or Portuguese; and iv) manuscripts that allow to obtain the full text. A total 9 documents were obtained. The results showed a scarcity of documents concerning the domain of study, as a result of this being a very specific topic. Similarly, the manuscripts included in this review report that the benefits that could derive from dance for students with DS have to do with posture awareness and control, the improvement of social aspects and improvements of a cognitive and emotional nature, as well as enjoyment. Therefore, it is recommended to expand the number of future research projects related to dance in the educational system, and concretely in the child education stage, due to the multiple benefits this brings to students with disabilities.

Resumo A dança é uma atividade físico-esportiva e artística idônea para o desenvolvimento integral dos alunos e pode ser considerada como promotora de inclusão. Portanto, este estudo teve como objetivo realizar uma revisão narrativa relacionada aos benefícios que a dança proporciona aos alunos com Síndrome de Down (SD) na etapa da educação infantil. Para busca dos documentos foram utilizadas as palavras-chave: "Child Education", "Dance" e "Down Syndrome". Os manuscritos foram pesquisados nas bases de dados Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus e PubMed, até janeiro de 2023. Para adequar a busca ao objeto de estudo, foi estabelecida uma série de critérios de inclusão: i) qualquer tipo de documento científico relacionado ao tema; ii) manuscritos que indiquem, no corpo do texto, pelo menos uma descrição de alunos com SD com extensão mínima de 50 palavras; iii) documentos elaborados em inglês, espanhol e/ou português; e, iv) manuscritos que permitam a obtenção do texto completo; foram obtidos um total de 9 documentos. Os resultados mostraram escassez de documentos em relação à área de estudo, por se tratar de um tema muito específico. Da mesma forma, os manuscritos incluídos nesta revisão mostram que os benefícios que poderiam ser obtidos com a dança para alunos com SD estão relacionados à consciência e ao controle postural, à melhoria dos aspectos sociais e às melhorias no âmbito cognitivo e emocional, bem como ao prazer. Portanto, recomenda-se ampliar o número de pesquisas futuras relacionadas à dança no sistema educacional e, especificamente, na etapa da educação infantil, pelos múltiplos benefícios que traz aos alunos com deficiência.

Sistematización del proceso de investigación y análisis de la administración y gestión de un proyecto de danza, movimiento humano y salud: Líneas de trabajo en salud y prevención primordial de Danza Universitaria / Systematization of the Research and Analysis Process of Administration and Management of a Dance, Human Movement and Health Project: Lines of Work in Health and Primary Prevention of Danza Universitaria / Sistematização do processo de investigação e análises da administração e gestão de um projeto de dança, movimento humano e saúde: formas de trabalho em saúde e prevenção primordial de Dança Universitária

Resumen: Introducción: En el contexto de una compañía profesional de danza, la pandemia ha generado cambios en las dinámicas de trabajo existentes tanto a nivel de áreas profesionales como de gestión. Propósito: Mostrar las acciones tomadas por una compañía profesional de danza en relación con la organización y la gestión para posicionar su quehacer al servicio de la sociedad a través del proyecto Líneas de trabajo en salud y prevención primordial de Danza Universitaria, surgido de la coyuntura de la COVID-19. Metodología: Sistematización de una experiencia de carácter exploratorio comprendida entre los meses de agosto del 2020 a octubre 2021, cuyos hallazgos reportados son el resultado de un proceso de recolección y organización de datos. Resultados: Se obtuvo información detallada y precisa sobre cada aspecto relacionado a la organización y administración del proyecto. Sistematización: Contextualización y análisis de la compañía Danza Universitaria, su recurso humano, visiones y prácticas dancísticas, al posicionar la danza como destreza de movimiento para la salud integral y abarcar el rol de profesionales de la danza para desembocar en los procesos administrativos y de gestión de la compañía. Conclusiones: Se esclarecen las dimensiones del proyecto como un sistema integrado en la comunidad y se visibiliza la capacidad de respuesta de este a las necesidades del entorno y al aporte de la danza y del movimiento para la salud integral. Recomendaciones: Valorar este proyecto como un espacio único que ha servido como objeto de estudio y parte de una experiencia académica que aporta al desarrollo y la gestión de las artes, el movimiento humano, la educación y la salud.

Abstract: Introduction: In the context of a professional dance company, the pandemic has generated changes in the existing work dynamics in its professional and managerial areas. Purpose: to show the organization and management actions taken by a professional dance company, aiming to position its work at the service of society through Lines of work in health and primary prevention of Danza Universitaria, a project that arises in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: systematization of exploratory experience whose reported findings are the result of data collection and organization process between the months of August 2020 to October 2021. Results: detailed and precise information was obtained on each aspect related to the organization and project management. Systematization: the dance company, its human resources, visions and dance practices are contextualized and analyzed, positioning dance as a movement skill for integral health and encompassing the role of the dance professional to lead to the administrative and management processes of the company. Conclusions: the dimensions of the project as an integrated system in the community are clarified and its response capacity to the needs of the environment as well as the contribution of dance and movement for integral health is made visible. Recommendations: to value this project as a unique space that has served as an object of study and part of an academic experience that contributes to the development and management of the arts, human movement, education, and health.

Resumo: Introdução: No contexto de uma companhia profissional de dança a pandemia havia gerado mudanças nas dinâmicas de trabalho existentes tanto a nível das áreas profissionais como de gestão. Objetivo: Mostrar as ações tomadas por uma companhia profissional de dança com relação a organização e a gestão para posicionar o que fazer a serviços da sociedade através do projeto de Formas trabalho na saúde e prevenção primordial de Dança Universitária, surgido no período da COVID-19. Metodologia: sistematização de experiência de caráter investigativo no período compreendido nos meses de agosto 2020 a outubro 2021, cujos os traços encontrados no resultado do processo de apuração e organização dos datos. Resultado: obteve-se informações detalhada e precisa sobre cada aspecto relacionado a organização e administrativa do projeto. Sistematização: contextualização e análises da companhia de Dança Universitária, seu recurso humano, visões e prática dancísticas, a posicionar a dança como destreza de movimento para a saúde integral e abranger o rol do profissional de dança para terminar os processos administrativos e de gestão da companhia. Conclusões: deixa claro às dimensões do projeto como um sistema integrado entre a comunidade e se viabiliza a capacidade de resposta deste às necessidades de entorno e soporte da dança e o movimento para a saúde integral. Recomendações: valorizar este projeto como espaço único que serve como objeto de estudo e parte de uma experiência acadêmica que ajuda o desenvolvimento e gestão das artes, o movimento humano, a educação e a saúde.

Effects of dance therapy on cognitive and mental health in adults aged 55 years and older with mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with mild cognitive impairment are at high risk of developing dementia. Dance therapy has promising applications in delaying cognitive decline. However, the effectiveness of dance therapy for older adults with mild cognitive impairment is unclear. The objective of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of dance therapy on global cognitive function, specific cognitive subdomains, quality of life, and mental health in older adults with mild cognitive impairment to enrich health management strategies for dementia. METHODS: Electronic databases and grey literature were searched from inception up to September 23, 2023. The language was limited to English and Chinese. Relevant studies were screened and assessed for risk of bias. A meta-analysis and subgroup analyses stratified by measurement instrument, dance type, intervention duration, and frequency were conducted using the STATA 16.0 software. This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Ten studies involving 984 participants aged 55 years and over who met the eligibility criteria were included. Dance therapy significantly improved global cognitive function, memory, executive function, attention, language, and mental health (i.e., depression and neuropsychiatric symptoms). However, the effects of dance therapy on processing speed, visuospatial ability, and quality of life in older adults with mild cognitive impairment remain inconclusive. Moreover, dance interventions of longer duration (> 3 months) improved global cognition more than shorter interventions. CONCLUSION: This review reported that dance therapy was effective in improving global cognitive function, memory, executive function, attention, language, and mental health (i.e., depression and neuropsychiatric symptoms). Hence, it may be an effective non-pharmacological complementary treatment for older adults with mild cognitive impairment.