The effect of dancing interventions on depression symptoms, anxiety, and stress in adults without musculoskeletal disorders: An integrative review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective: To examine the effect of dancing interventions on depression symptoms, anxiety, and stress in adults with and without musculoskeletal disorders, and to determine the duration of the effectiveness of a dancing intervention. Methods: Five electronic databases, CINAHL, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and PsycINFO were searched from January 2010 to March 2021. Data were extracted for a quality synthesis and meta-analysis, and GRADEpro software was used to rate the quality of evidence. Results: Twenty-eight randomized controlled trials involving 2249 eligible subjects were selected. They were found to be of satisfactory quality (fair n = 12, good n = 16). These studies revealed that dance interventions had a significant effect on relieving depression symptoms (SMD = −0.69, 95 % CI -0.91 to −0.35, p < 0.001), anxiety (SMD = −0.99, 95 % CI = −1.92 to −0.05, p < 0.05), and stress (SMD = −1.0, 95 % CI = −1.83 to −0.17, p < 0.05). Exposure to a dancing intervention for at least 150 min per week was found to have reduced depression symptoms (SMD = −0.72, 95 % CI -0.20, −0.25, p < 0.01). The quality of evidence ranged from very low to low. Conclusions: This review indicates that dancing interventions significantly reduce depression symptoms, stress, and anxiety; and adults with or without musculoskeletal disorders would benefit from engaging in a dancing intervention for at least 150 min per week. Dancing interventions are recommended to be incorporated in health promotion activities to promote psychological wellbeing.