Effects of dance interventions on cognitive function, balance, mobility, and life quality in older adults: A systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis of 28 studies
PubMed 39923448 · doi:10.1016/j.archger.2025.105775
What was done
A systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis of 28 studies evaluated the comparative effectiveness of five dance interventions (ballroom, tango, folk, square, and self-created dance) in 1,967 adults aged 60 years or older. Data from seven databases were extracted and analyzed using Bayesian consistency models to generate standardized mean differences (SMDs) for cognitive function, balance, mobility, and quality of life.
What was found
Ballroom dancing was the only intervention that significantly improved cognitive function (SMD = 0.89, 95% CI [0.07, 1.70]). Balance was significantly improved by tango (SMD = 1.62, 95% CI [0.50, 2.76]) and folk dancing (SMD = 1.43, 95% CI [0.15, 2.81]). Mobility was significantly enhanced by tango (SMD = -1.42, 95% CI [-2.60, -0.25]) and self-created dance (SMD = -1.20, 95% CI [-2.10, -0.37]). Mental health was significantly improved only by square dancing (SMD = 1.11, 95% CI [0.03, 2.31]).
Why it matters
This review demonstrates that specific dance modalities confer distinct functional benefits, supporting tailored selection of dance types depending on whether cognitive, motor, or mental health outcomes are targeted in older populations.
Limits
Confidence intervals for several outcomes were very wide, reflecting imprecision in effect size estimates. The abstract does not specify the control groups used, the duration or intensity of the dance programs, or whether included participants had baseline cognitive or physical impairments.