Background/Aims: Creative arts in rehabilitation has gained recent interest. Dance therapy has shown positive outcomes in various neurological conditions, however few studies have investigated dance in stroke rehabilitation. The aim of this project was to assess the feasibility of providing dance groups to people with stroke in a rehabilitation outpatient setting.
Methods: A Single blind feasibility randomised controlled trial comparing physiotherapy circuit group (PCG) with a dance group intervention. Dance groups were facilitated by clinicians and professional dancers. The primary outcome was health-related quality of life (SF36). Feasibility outcomes were assessed and participant focus groups conducted.
Results: Forty-nine participants were consented and randomised. Physical outcomes were comparable between the two groups but there were gains in mental health component measures, including energy/fatigue and emotional wellbeing for the dance group. The Intervention was completed by 84% of dance participants and 87% of PCG participants. Qualitative results indicated that participants found both dance and PCGs enjoyable and acceptable. Dance participants derived additional benefits of spontaneity, variety and creativity in their rehabilitation.
Conclusion: Group dance therapy is a feasible therapeutic option post stroke. Dance offers benefits in mental health, variety and creativity during rehabilitation programs, while demonstrating similar physical outcomes and acceptability compared to conventional exercise therapy. Further larger scale studies will inform optimal program design, format, duration and group stratification.