Physical, cognitive, psychological and social effects of dance in children with disabilities: systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim To date it is unclear whether the physical, cognitive, psychological and social benefits of dance extend to children with disabilities.Method This systematic review synthesised empirical research on the effect of non-therapy dance programs on children with physical and developmental disabilities.Results Nineteen studies met inclusion criteria, including 521 participants aged 3–18 years and adapted dance programs with duration ranging from 7–78 hours. Sixteen studies had weak methodology. Most examined physical outcomes with improvements in 17/23 areas and meta-analyses showing significant medium to large effects for balance and jumping skills. Positive effects were also indicated for psychological, cognitive and social domains from the few available studies.Conclusion Existing literature is heterogeneous and of poor quality but indicates dance may have physical, cognitive and psychosocial benefits for children with disabilities.Implications for rehabilitationTo date the benefits of dance for children with disabilities have not been systematically synthesised.Dance may have physical, cognitive and psychosocial benefits for children with disabilities.Further research into psychosocial benefits in particular is warranted.