Neurologic dance training (NDT) as supportive care for the physical symptoms of cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed evidence regarding dance as nonpharmacologic treatment for the physical symptoms of cancer survivorship.Data sources PubMed, Embase, Scopus.Study selection Following PRISMA guidelines, two reviewers independently screened and assessed data. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) measuring effects of dance on physical symptoms among survivors were included.Data extraction We extracted characteristics of included studies (e.g., cancer type, dance technique) and interventions (e.g., frequency, intensity, time, type).Data synthesis Twelve RCTs met criteria for inclusion. Dance genres studied included Argentine tango, Greek traditional dance, dance movement therapy, belly dance, ballroom, Latin dance, quang chang wu, The Lebed Method™, and improvisation. Risk of bias was low overall. Meta-analyses revealed a favorable effect on patient-reported physical health with a standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [0.23, 2.79], p = 0.03; gastrointestinal dysfunction SMD = 0.53, CI = [−0.27, 1.34], p = 0.08; fatigue SMD = 0.35, CI = [−0.18, 0.88], p = 0.12; stress SMD = 1.43, CI = [−1.48, 4.34], p = 0.17; walking endurance SMD = 0.37, CI = [−1.43, 2.17], p = 0.23; physical activity level SMD = 0.82, CI = [−0.99,2.63], p = 0.24; and sleep SMD = 0.44, CI = [−0.89, 1.77], p = 0.29.Conclusion Dance interventions show potential to alleviate physical symptoms due to cancer or cancer treatment. More work is needed to standardize delivery of dance as a physical rehabilitation option within survivorship care.