The influence of dance-based activities on recovery and improvement of motor functions in post-stroke patients: A systematic review

Abstract

Stroke is a clinical syndrome, and one of the leading causes of death and disability, occurring under the influence of a large number of risk factors. The symptoms of a stroke are in correlation with the size, time and location of the lesion. Rehabilitation, which involves the application of conventional and supplementary methods, relates to the assessment of the ability, the level of damage of the affected functions, and an adequately designed rehabilitation program. The use of dance, as a rehabilitation procedure in post-stroke patients, requires listening and active participation of an individual with a specific motor reaction to the stimulus. The primary aim of this article is to demonstrate the importance and effects of the application of dance in the rehabilitation process in post-stroke patients, with a special emphasis on the process of improving motor skills and functions. In accordance with the set criteria and purpose of study, scientific research papers were collected and analysed from the PubMed/MEDLINE, Science Direct and Oxford Academic databases, all published in the period between 2010 and 2019, and all indicating the importance of the application of dance when treating post-stroke conditions. The obtained results suggest that dance, which is basically a sports-recreational activity, when applied for therapeutic purposes in persons after stroke, contributes to the development and recovery of motor abilities, balance, mobility, endurance, coordination, motor skills, stance, walking and precision. Also, dancing is of great importance for the improvement of the functioning of the whole organism, which directly or indirectly affects the recovery of motor functions and the overall welfare of an individual.