Tingting Chen1, Rou Wen2, Haoqiang Liu3, Xiaoke Zhong4, Changhao Jiang5. 1. School of Education, Beijing Dance Academy, Beijing, 100081, China. 2. School of Humanities, Beijing Dance Academy, Beijing, 100081, China. 3. School of Education, Shandong Woman University, Jinan, 250300, China. 4. Beijing Key Lab of Physical Fitness Evaluation and Tech Analysis, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, 100191, China. 5. Beijing Key Lab of Physical Fitness Evaluation and Tech Analysis, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, 100191, China. Electronic address: jiangchanghao@cupes.edu.cn.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopment disorder, marked by deficits in social communication and social interaction as well as by a restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests and activities. There is an increasing interest in the use of dance as part of rehabilitation for individuals with ASD. However, it is not clear how dance can influence on ASD symptoms. And few studies have measured and compared the outcomes of multiple studies. This study was aimed to provide a more comprehensive perspective of the efficacy of dance practice on ASD symptoms by conducting a systematic review with meta-analysis. METHODS: The electronic databases PubMed, EBSCO, MEDLINE, Cochrane and PsycINFO were searched for relevant studies reporting on the effects of dance on ASD symptoms. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized controlled studies were included in this review. Two review authors independently performed literature search, data extraction, and study quality assessment. Effect sizes for ASD symptoms were expressed as standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Seven eligible studies were included for meta-analysis. Dance interventions varied in frequency (1-2 sessions/week), time (40 - 90 min), duration (7 - 17 weeks) and type. As compared to control groups, dance practice showed significant alleviation of overall symptoms of ASD (-1.48 points, CI -2.55 to - 0.42 points, p = 0.006, I2 = 75%) and improvement in social interaction (0.88, CI 0.46 to 1.30, p < 0.0001, I2 = 0%), but no significant effect on empathy (0.09, CI - 0.25 to 0.42, p = 0.61, I2 = 2%). CONCLUSIONS: Dance probably alleviate the negative symptoms and social deficits of individuals with ASD. However, little difference is found in empathy. Further research and studies are needed to determine the optimal dose and if dance results in greater benefits than other types of physical activity.
BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopment disorder, marked by deficits in social communication and social interaction as well as by a restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests and activities. There is an increasing interest in the use of dance as part of rehabilitation for individuals with ASD. However, it is not clear how dance can influence on ASD symptoms. And few studies have measured and compared the outcomes of multiple studies. This study was aimed to provide a more comprehensive perspective of the efficacy of dance practice on ASD symptoms by conducting a systematic review with meta-analysis. METHODS: The electronic databases PubMed, EBSCO, MEDLINE, Cochrane and PsycINFO were searched for relevant studies reporting on the effects of dance on ASD symptoms. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized controlled studies were included in this review. Two review authors independently performed literature search, data extraction, and study quality assessment. Effect sizes for ASD symptoms were expressed as standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Seven eligible studies were included for meta-analysis. Dance interventions varied in frequency (1-2 sessions/week), time (40 - 90 min), duration (7 - 17 weeks) and type. As compared to control groups, dance practice showed significant alleviation of overall symptoms of ASD (-1.48 points, CI -2.55 to - 0.42 points, p = 0.006, I2 = 75%) and improvement in social interaction (0.88, CI 0.46 to 1.30, p < 0.0001, I2 = 0%), but no significant effect on empathy (0.09, CI - 0.25 to 0.42, p = 0.61, I2 = 2%). CONCLUSIONS: Dance probably alleviate the negative symptoms and social deficits of individuals with ASD. However, little difference is found in empathy. Further research and studies are needed to determine the optimal dose and if dance results in greater benefits than other types of physical activity.
Authors: Amir Hossein Haghighi; Shokofeh Broughani; Roya Askari; Hadi Shahrabadi; Daniel Souza; Paulo Gentil Journal: J Autism Dev Disord Date: 2022-09-09