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Commentary on: Dumitru C. Exploring the transformative power of dance: a scoping review of dance interventions for adults with intellectual disabilities. J Intellect Disabil 2023;2023:17446295231218781.
Implications for practice and research
Dance is a simple, safe and cost-effective intervention that improves the physical and mental health of individuals with intellectual disability (ID).
Further research should be conducted into specific dance programmes/activities and enhancements such as music and incorporated into the treatment plan for individuals with ID.
Context
Intellectual disability (ID) is a relatively common neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 2–3% of the general adult population.1 Deficits are wide-ranging and variable involving cognitive, communicative, motor, behavioural, emotional and social domains to varying degrees. These impairments impact negatively on independent functioning requiring assistance in daily living. The latest WHO data indicate that 31% of adults do not meet recommended weekly levels of physical activity (an increase in 5% from 2010).2 Individuals with ID are often sedentary, especially those with severe ID.3 Dance is not only a physical activity but also provides social interaction, reduces stress levels and helps to develop sensorimotor skills. The therapeutic benefits of dance in individuals with ID have not been well studied in comparison with the general population.
Methods
The study protocol was registered in International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. A scoping review (SCR) was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to evaluate the effects of dance on therapeutic aspects, mobility, interpersonal relations, well-being and overall quality of life in adults with IDs. Study quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). To ensure consistency because of the diverse study designs, the Specialist Unit for Review Evidence (SURE) critical appraisal checklists were used. The two research questions were:
What specific dance/movement therapeutic programmes are used in working with adults with ID?
What are the observed effects when dance is implemented as a therapeutic approach for adults with ID?
Findings
This SCR included 15 articles from studies conducted in six countries between 2013 and 2023, with a total of 349 subjects, aged 16–70 years. Although the studies were of diverse design and incorporated different dance programmes, the individual studies reported statistically significant benefits in increased physical activity, physical adaptation including postural control and sensorimotor synchronisation, cognitive functions such as memory and emotional well-being, and reduced stress. The addition of music increased both enjoyment and also the level of physical activity.
Commentary
The benefits of different physical activities are described in the general population but less well researched in individuals with ID, and in particular, dance as a therapeutic modality. This SCR evaluated many different studies and demonstrated that in individuals with ID, specific interventions impact positively body awareness, physical activity, mental health and even neuromuscular function, for example, in reducing hypertonia.4 Individuals with ID are less physically active, and the range of deficits is wide; however, dance represents a simple, safe and likely cost-effective strategy for this population. Further, exercise reduces mortality in individuals with ID,5 thus dance should be incorporated into physical and occupational therapy programmes and considered a core wellness intervention.
Footnotes
Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Competing interests None declared.
Provenance and peer review Commissioned; internally peer reviewed.