Dance intervention for negative symptoms in individuals with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Tingting Chen; Rou Wen; Haoqiang Liu; Xiaoke Zhong; Changhao Jiang

doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101565

Dance intervention for negative symptoms in individuals with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2022 May:47:101565. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101565. Epub 2022 Feb 23.

Authors

Tingting Chen¹, Rou Wen², Haoqiang Liu³, Xiaoke Zhong⁴, Changhao Jiang⁵

Affiliations

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.

PMID: 35259569
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101565

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.

Keywords: ASD; Dance; Dance/ movement therapy; Empathy; Negative symptoms; Social interaction.

Publication types

Meta-Analysis
Review
Systematic Review

MeSH terms

Autism Spectrum Disorder* / therapy
Communication
Empathy
Humans