The effectiveness of community dance in people with cancer: a mixed-methods systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

There is a need for both feasible and enjoyable physical activity programmes for people on a cancer journey. Emerging evidence suggests that dance can have a positive effect on health and well-being in this cohort. We aimed to synthesize the quantitative and qualitative literature exploring the effectiveness and impact of community dance interventions in people with all types and stages of cancer. A systematic search was performed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines in Pubmed, EMBASE, Medline Ovid, CINAHL and PEDro databases. Quantitative and qualitative data were extracted and synthesized using a convergent segregated approach. The numeric data were analysed using descriptive statistics, narrative synthesis and meta-analysis where possible. The qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The Downs and Black critical appraisal tool and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme were used to assess the quality of the quantitative and qualitative literature, respectively. Eighteen studies were included in this mixed-methods review with seven trials included in the meta-analysis. Statistically significant improvements were found in favour of community dance for functional capacity, fatigue, quality-of-life and depression in comparison to no intervention. Evidence suggests dance is a safe and feasible form of physical activity both during and after cancer treatment. Participants reported good social support, education regarding physical activity and local access as key facilitators to participation. We concluded that dance is a feasible and enjoyable intervention for many people with various forms of cancer. Community dance programmes can improve both physical and psychological outcomes in people on a cancer journey.

Keywords: cancer; community health promotion; community-based intervention; dance intervention; physical activity.

Fig. 1:

PRISMA flowchart.

Fig. 2:

Meta-analysis results. Forest plots generated from meta-analysis for (a) functional capacity. Mean difference (95% CI) of effect of dance intervention on functional capacity (N = 3 6MWT) compared to no intervention. Data collected from three studies, N = 96. (b) Fatigue. Standard mean difference (95% CI) of effect of dance intervention on fatigue (N = 1 Piper Fatigue Scale, N = 1 Brief Fatigue Inventory and N = 1 Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy: Fatigue) compared to no intervention. Data collected from three studies, N = 229. (c) QoL. Standard mean difference (95% CI) of effect of dance intervention on QoL [N = 1 The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer—Functional scale, N = 1 Functional assessment of cancer therapy—breast (FACT-B): total score, N = 1 Life Satisfaction Inventory, N = 1 Short Form 12—Mental Component Summary and N = 1 The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Core Questionnaire] compared to no intervention. Data collected from 5 studies, N = 359. (d) Depression. Mean difference (95% CI) of effect of dance intervention on depression (N = 3 Becks Depression Inventory) compared to no intervention. Data collected from three studies, N = 80.