Dance for neuroplasticity: A descriptive systematic review

•Dance provides a unique model for investigating how brain integrates movement and sound.•Dancing can strengthen the connectivity between both cerebral hemispheres.•Complex movements of dancing recruit different motor, somatosensory and cognitive brain areas.•Long-term dance practice positively affe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews 2019-01, Vol.96, p.232-240
Main Authors: Teixeira-Machado, Lavinia, Arida, Ricardo Mario, de Jesus Mari, Jair
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Brain - anatomy & histology
Brain - diagnostic imaging
Brain - physiology
Brain function
Cognitive Aging - physiology
Cognitive Aging - psychology
Cognitive Dysfunction - physiopathology
Cognitive Dysfunction - therapy
Dance
Dance Therapy
Dancing - physiology
Dancing - psychology
Humans
Neuronal Plasticity - physiology
Neuroplasticity
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
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Summary:•Dance provides a unique model for investigating how brain integrates movement and sound.•Dancing can strengthen the connectivity between both cerebral hemispheres.•Complex movements of dancing recruit different motor, somatosensory and cognitive brain areas.•Long-term dance practice positively affects brain activity.•Dance practice modifies white and gray matter in various brain regions. We conducted a systematic review of randomized clinical trials to investigate whether dance practice promotes neuroplasticity. We also determined how dancing is able to alter (1) brain volumes and structures (2) brain function, (3) psychomotor adjustment and (4) levels of neurotrophic factors. This systematic review formulated a research question based on PICO, according to the guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyzes (PRISMA), “What is the influence of dance practice on neuroplasticity in already mature brains?” We screened 1071 studies and from these eight studies were included in the review. Of the selected studies, all demonstrated positive structural and/or functional changes. Structural changes included increased hippocampal volume, gray matter volume in the left precentral and parahippocampal gyrus, and white matter integrity. Functional changes included alterations in cognitive function such as significant improvement in memory, attention, body balance, psychosocial parameters and altered peripheral neurotrophic factor. Based on the evidence, dance practice integrates brain areas to improve neuroplasticity.
ISSN:0149-7634
1873-7528
1873-7528
DOI:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.12.010