Work

Rhythmic dance interventions and dance/movement therapy for depression and anxiety: a structured narrative review of clinical evidence, candidate mechanisms, and implementation considerations

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Background: This review synthesized evidence on rhythmic dance interventions (RDI) and dance/movement therapy (DMT) for depression and anxiety, clarified intervention boundaries, and proposed mechanism-informed and implementation-oriented recommendations. Methods: A structured narrative review was conducted using targeted literature searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library from inception to 11 September 2026, supplemented by citation tracing. Sources were selected for relevance to clinical evidence, candidate mechanisms, intervention reporting, safety considerations, and implementation issues. The review was designed as a narrative and translational synthesis rather than a systematic review or meta-analysis. Results: Current evidence suggests that DMT and structured RDI may be associated with improvements in depressive symptoms, anxiety-related distress, stress, quality of life, and psychosocial functioning, although the evidence is heterogeneous and the most direct clinical evidence concerns DMT in adults with depression. Candidate mechanisms include rhythmic entrainment, behavioral activation, reward engagement, emotion regulation, interoceptive and autonomic regulation, social connectedness, and interpersonal co-regulation. However, direct mediation evidence is still insufficient, and key intervention features such as rhythm, synchrony, movement structure, interpersonal configuration, and reflective processing should be treated as reportable and potentially modifiable components rather than validated therapeutic dose parameters. Conclusions: RDI and DMT may represent promising complementary approaches for depression and anxiety, but they are not interchangeable and should not be regarded as substitutes for psychiatric, psychological, or medical care. Clearer intervention taxonomy, FITT + 3R reporting framework, mechanism-informed outcomes, adverse-event monitoring, and further evaluation of safety and implementation are needed to support responsible translation into healthcare and community settings.

Source: Frontiers in Psychiatry

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1944858

Authors: Xiaopeng Chen, Ting Wang, Jun Wang, Jing Tan

Institutions: South Central Minzu University, Hubei Provincial Women and Children's Hospital, Hubei University of Technology, Wenhua College

Language: English

Topic: Diversity and Impact of Dance

Subfield: Visual Arts and Performing Arts

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801