Dance Movement Therapy: A Promising Lifestyle Intervention in the Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a progressive multi-component malady with high morbidity and mortality, is an important public health challenge, throughout the world. Despite remarkable progress in its diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, significant number of patients, especially the elderly, continue to suffer from distressing dyspnoea and harrowing extra-pulmonary manifestations limiting their daily activities, with resultant exercise intolerance. Dance Movement Therapy (DMT), a pleasurable and feasible exercise, has been found to be equally effective at improving a range of health outcomes comparable  with other forms of physical activity. Moreover, it has the potential to be a versatile activity with aesthetic expression, attractive to both genders irrespective of age, tempting to those with disabilities, and a  fruitful tool in developing self-confidence. As viewed by  European  Association of Dance Movement Therapy �?DMT  bridges the gap between the advantages of dance and the difficulties in performing physical activity and offers a combination of expressive movement and creativity…�? During the current  stressful  situation, caused by  COVID-19 pandemic, the COPD patients, notably those over 70 years, are particularly vulnerable to intensification of  symptoms and  some of them may experience serious disorders of mental illness. Home isolation, social distancing,limiting outdoor activities and prohibiting participation in group exercises, though being appropriate prophylactic measures, are likely to add to already existing physical  inactivity and heighten stress and depression, with deleterious effects on overall well-being. Solo dancing, while restricted to home, is a highly accessible, doable, sustainable and well rewarding alternative.