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Final Program


Final Program

1425 - Movement Beyond Limits: Adaptive Dance in Rehabilitation and Performing Arts Medicine

Thursday, February 27, 2025
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM MST
Objectives: Adaptive dance represents a growing field that merges rehabilitation with artistic expression, offering physical, cognitive, and emotional benefits for people with disabilities (PwDs). This review aims to analyze adaptive dance as a model for inclusive rehabilitation and community-building, with a focus on adaptive ballroom, ballet, and group dancing. The objective is to identify therapeutic benefits for PwDs, particularly in improving physical function, mental well-being, and enhancing cultural representation and quality of life.

Design: A systematic approach, adhering to PRISMA guidelines, was used to identify and analyze studies on adaptive dance. A comprehensive search was conducted across databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, using relevant keywords. Studies published between 2019 and 2024 were included, and data extraction captured details such as study design, population characteristics, intervention specifics, and outcomes related to balance, motor skills, cognitive function, and emotional well-being.

Results: Adaptive dance programs significantly reduced fall risk in older adults (31%), and improved balance, mobility, and gross motor function, particularly in children with Down syndrome (SMD = 0.57). Neuromuscular training improved postural control in ballroom dancers, reducing lower limb injuries. Personalized programs enhanced cognitive function, social interaction, and emotional well-being. Tailored sessions showed statistically significant improvements in cognitive skills and quality of life, while dance interventions reduced depression and anxiety. Limited research suggests that osteopathic manual therapy may help manage injuries and improve mobility in adaptive dancers.

Conclusions: Adaptive dance enhances quality of life, promotes physical autonomy, and supports inclusivity in the arts. This review highlights the need for healthcare providers to address unique movement patterns and manage injuries in adaptive dancers to ensure safe participation and sustained benefits for PwDs.