Dancing through the darkness: a systematic review of dance as a multidimensional therapy for Parkinson’s disease

INTRODUCTION: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with no known cure, affecting both motor and non-motor functions. This review examines the therapeutic potential of dance as a holistic intervention to complement conventional PD treatments. METHODS: This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines. Studies included were randomized controlled trials, longitudinal studies, and meta-analyses evaluating dance interventions in PD. Databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Exclusion criteria were case studies and non-peer-reviewed sources. RESULTS: Sixty-six studies involving over 1,200 participants were identified. Evidence shows that dance improves motor functions such as gait, balance, and coordination, while also enhancing non-motor outcomes including mood, anxiety, depression, and cognition. Dance's rhythmic movements, cognitive demands, and social interaction stimulate neurochemical pathways linked to motor and emotional regulation. Furthermore, group dance fosters social connectedness and reduces isolation. Online and community-based programs demonstrate feasibility and accessibility across diverse populations. CONCLUSIONS: Dance provides multidimensional benefits for individuals with PD, spanning physical, cognitive, emotional, and social domains. Despite these promising findings, limitations such as small sample sizes, methodological heterogeneity, and lack of direct comparisons with other exercise modalities remain. Larger standardized trials are needed to confirm efficacy and support integration of dance into PD treatment programs.