AUTHOR=Tao Dan , Gao Yang , Cole Alistair , Baker Julien S. , Gu Yaodong , Supriya Rashmi , Tong Tomas K. , Hu Qiuli , Awan-Scully Roger 

TITLE=The Physiological and Psychological Benefits of Dance and its Effects on Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Physiology

VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2022

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2022.925958

DOI=10.3389/fphys.2022.925958

ISSN=1664-042X

ABSTRACT=Background: The aim of this review was to examine  the physiological and psychological benefits of dance and its effects on children and adolescents. We consider the therapeutic benefits of dance and outline the potential of dance as an alternative therapy for certain pathologies and medical disorders. Secondly, we summarize the types of dances used in physical interventions, and comment on the methodologies used. Finally, we consider the use of dance as a different exercise modality that may have benefits for increased physical activity generally, and for increased physical education provision in schools. Methods: A structured search strategy was conducted using the databases of PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of science, PsycARTICLES, and Social Science database. This review used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for systematic reviews. All written publications were searched for in English, and all articles included in this review were peer reviewed full papers. Conclusion: The key findings from this review indicate that dance is a feasible alternative to traditional physical activity. The findings also indicate that dance provides physiological and psychological benefits to healthy and medically compromised populations. Based on the findings, implementation of dance programs in schools and society needs serious consideration by policy makers. Hopefully these results will bring greater long-term increased physical activity impacts in the foreseeable future. We also hope that the findings stimulate debate and provide evidence to profile dance as a viable alternative medium of physical activity. Comprehensive and integrated changes will be needed for the future implementation of dance in relation to governmental and societal partnerships. These include economical and legislative support from politicians. These factors are important and have implications for health policy change, reconfiguration, and implementation.