Effect of Dance Therapy on the Physical Abilities of Older Adults with Dementia: A Systematic Review

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.