A recent study conducted by Australian researchers suggests that engaging in a structured dance program can be just as effective, if not more, in improving psychological and cognitive health than other forms of physical activity. Published in Sports Medicine, the study is a comprehensive review investigating the impact of dance on psychological and cognitive well-being. The research involved participants across various age groups, ranging from 7 to 85 years old, including both healthy individuals and those with chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, heart failure, cerebral palsy, and fibromyalgia.
The study encompassed a wide range of dance genres, including theatrical dance, aerobic dance, traditional dance forms, and social dance. These dance interventions were compared to various other physical activities, such as team sports, martial arts, walking, and weight training. The findings revealed that engaging in structured dance, regardless of the genre, was generally equal to or even more effective than other forms of physical activity when it came to improving psychological and cognitive outcomes, including emotional well-being, depression, motivation, social cognition, and certain aspects of memory.
Dr. Alycia Fong Yan, the lead author of the study from the University of Sydney, highlighted the promising potential of dance in improving psychological well-being and cognitive capacity. The benefits of dance were observed not only in older adults but also in younger populations and individuals with clinical conditions. Learning dance sequences may challenge cognition, while partnered or group dance may enhance social interactions. Additionally, the artistic aspect of dance may contribute to improved psychological well-being.
One of the key advantages of dance highlighted by the study is its potential to encourage adherence to physical activity. For many individuals, engaging in traditional exercise routines can be challenging to maintain. However, dance provides an enjoyable and engaging alternative that people are more likely to sustain over time.
The study also highlighted differences in the effects of dance based on age groups. In participants under 55 years old, dance genres that could be performed individually in a group setting, such as aerobic dance and modern dance, were examined. This suggests that dance has a positive impact on psychological health beyond the social benefits of partnered dance genres typically associated with older adults. On the other hand, for individuals aged 55 and above, the focus was primarily on cognitive capacity. Dance interventions were found to be particularly effective in improving self-efficacy, anxiety, depression, motivation, and health-related quality of life in older individuals.
While there is relatively limited evidence for the effectiveness of dance interventions in individuals younger than 16, the study suggests that dance may be more effective than other forms of exercise in reducing the impact of somatization, the manifestation of psychological distress as physical symptoms.
Dr. Fong Yan emphasized that dance offers a range of health benefits. Engaging in regular physical activity through dance can reduce the risk of health conditions associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Furthermore, the social connectedness and psychological effects of dance can alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions, while improvements in cognition can enhance the independence of older adults. Ultimately, this can lessen the burden of these conditions on the healthcare system. Therefore, structured dance can be considered a viable alternative to traditional forms of exercise, backed by scientific evidence.
In conclusion, the study underscores the unique benefits of dancing for mental health improvement. Whether it be through theatrical dance, aerobic dance, traditional dance forms, or social dance, the findings indicate that dance has the potential to improve psychological and cognitive well-being equal to or even surpassing other forms of physical activity.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
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