Impact of dance therapy on children with specific learning disability: a two arm cluster randomized control study on Italian sample.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Dance Therapy can improve the quality of life for a person with several conditions, especially psychological wellbeing and quality of life, in the short and longterm. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of the Dance Therapy (DT) on specific learning disability (SLD) children. We wanted to test the impact on cognitive and emotional patterns on children with learning disorders. METHODS A two arm cluster randomized control study was applied comparing 2 groups of SLD children (treated vs non treated). All children have been measured applying psychological battery before and at the end of the experimental protocol. RESULTS Our data revealed significant differences between groups for auditory and visual recognition, for interpersonal relationships and for emotions recognition. DT seemed to provide positive evidence as an educational intervention for children with SLDs. CONCLUSIONS Our results confirmed that DT protocol was an effective way to improve selfesteem, attention and concentration and emotional recognition in SLD children.