A Scoping Review of Japanese Dance/Movement Therapy Intervention Studies

This study presents the first literature review of dance/movement therapy (DMT) intervention studies conducted in Japan using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews. It aims to examine participants, outcome measures, intervention methods, effects, and study quality. Searches were conducted using Japanese databases, including Ichushi, CiNii, and Medical-Online, and English databases, including PubMed and Google Scholar, along with the Japanese Journal of Dance Therapy and the American Journal of Dance Therapy. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings revealed the following: levels of evidence: level 2, two studies; level 3, three studies; level 4, four studies; most common participants: individuals with intellectual disabilities (n=42, 24.8%); 13 (35.1%) of 37 outcome measures were standardized or objective; most used intervention: structured (n=5, 50.0%); frequent effects: improved balance and positive expression (both n=3, 13.0%).