Firstly, I must disclose that I am NOT certified as a Dance Movement Therapist (yet!). I do, however, strongly believe in the power of dance for our physical, mental and emotional well-being. I also LOVE reading scientific studies, so you better believe when I read this, I had to share it!
To summarize, patients in clinical environments were subjected to DMT (Dance Movement Therapy), with fascinating results.
This was studied for effects on:
- Quality of life
- Clinical outcomes
- Interpersonal skills
- Cognitive skills
in areas such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, autism, elderly patients, oncology, neurology, chronic heart failure and cardiovascular disease.
Results suggest that DMT decreases depression and anxiety and increases quality of life and interpersonal and cognitive skills. Follow-up data showed that on 22 weeks after the intervention, most effects remained stable or slightly increased!
Again, I am not a Dance Movement Therapist, but I love this study because it shows us the profoundly positive effects dance has in all areas of our lives!
You can read the study in its entirety here: Effects of Dance Movement Therapy and Dance on Health-Related Psychological Outcomes. A Meta-Analysis Update - PMC (nih.gov)