The efficacy of dance interventions for the activity and participation of individuals with cerebral palsy – a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this review was to examine the efficacy of dance interventions for individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), measured at any level of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed articles was performed using six electronic databases.

Results

Fourteen studies were included in this review, nine of which were also included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analyses yielded a large overall effect for cognitive, motor, and social-emotional function outcomes, with a high degree of heterogeneity between outcome effects, attributable to differences in study design.

Conclusion

Although recent studies provide support for the acceptance and efficacy of dance interventions for people with CP, the systematic review revealed significant limitations in study design (only 2 randomised control trials). High-quality research that measures outcomes across all dimensions of the ICF, and particularly at the level of participation, are needed to improve the level of empirical support for dance-based interventions.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Movement- and step-based dance practice for cerebral palsy have a positive impact on walking/gait, balance/postural control, and range of motion.

• Dance programs should move beyond a traditional focus on body structure and function, placing participation at the forefront of the program.

• Rehabilitation professionals should consider forming partnerships with stakeholders, addressing their goals, experiences, and challenges, with dance as a feasible and important option for participation-based practice.

Keywords:

• Cerebral palsy
• dance
• art therapy
• music and movement

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

 

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.