The Role of Dance Movement Therapy in the Process of Psychological Support of People who Have Suffered a Stroke

Relevance . Acute cerebrovascular events (ACEs) remain among the most severe forms of cerebrovascular pathology, resulting in substantial impairment of central nervous system functions and occupying a leading position among the causes of disability in the adult population. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 17 million deaths from vascular diseases are recorded annually, with cerebrovascular events accounting for approximately 30 % of these cases. Psychological factors play a crucial role in the rehabilitation process: stroke results not only in motor and cognitive impairments but also in anxiety and depressive disorders, reduced self-esteem, and decreased social activity, which directly impair adherence to physical rehabilitation. In this context, dance movement therapy (DMT), which exerts a multidimensional effect on physical, psychological, and social functioning, may be of particular value during the recovery period. Intention . To investigate the role of dance movement therapy in the recovery of motor and cognitive functions and in improving the psychoemotional state of individuals who have experienced an acute cerebrovascular event. Methodology . The study included 24 people, divided into two conditional groups: those using dance movement therapy and those not using it. For an objective assessment of changes, validated diagnostic tests were used: Berg Balance Scale; “Get Up and Go” test by E. Podsyadlo, S. Richardson; Six-minute walk test by R. Guyatt; Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA); Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) [13]. Regression analysis was performed to assess the effect of dance movement therapy on the functional status of participants undergoing rehabilitation. Object and subject of the study . The object of the study was the psychological support process for patients who had experienced a stroke and were in the late recovery period. The subject of the study was the role of dance movement therapy in the recovery of motor and cognitive functions and in improving the emotional state of individuals following stroke. Results and analysis . A comparative analysis confirmed that dance movement therapy was significantly more effective than a standard physical rehabilitation program. All measured parameters-balance, mobility, endurance, cognitive function, and emotional status-demonstrated higher final values and a significantly greater rate of improvement in the experimental group. A regression analysis confirmed the targeted impact of dance movement therapy as a rehabilitation factor. Statistically significant regression coefficients (p < 0.05) indicate a consistent effect of dance movement therapy on the recovery of motor, cognitive, and emotional functions, strengthening the evidentiary value of the obtained results. Conclusion . The findings suggest that the developed dance movement therapy program is an effective and clinically relevant intervention for patients in the late post-stroke recovery period. It may be recommended as an adjunct to standard therapeutic physical exercise programs to accelerate functional recovery, reduce the risk of falls, enhance cognitive functioning, and improve emotional well-being.