The Health-related Benefits of Practicing Dance and Tai-Chi among Non-clinical Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Dance and Tai Chi have become increasingly used as health promotion interventions. This review and meta-analysis examines their efficacy in improving physical and mental health in non-clinical populations. Do dance and Tai Chi practices benefit physical health and psychological wellbeing? This review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022309436) and followed PRISMA (2020) guidelines. A comprehensive search was undertaken across eight databases. The primary search identified 9228 studies. Following title, abstract, and full-text screening, 38 studies met the inclusion criteria; 26 were Tai Chi-focused and 12 were dance-focused. The Kmet quality assessment tool produced a mean total score of 20±3.87 and mean summary score of 0.77±0.14 (range 0.46-1.0). Nineteen (50%) studies scored inadequate on its replicability, due to poor methodological details. Twenty-seven (71%) studies purposefully recruited participants over the age of 60. Participants in the included studies were predominantly female, with the proportion in each study from 65% to 95.1%. Meta-analysis indicates significant balance and mental health benefits from dance and Tai Chi interventions (p<0.01), one set of Tai Chi data reported a negative effect on balance (p=0.01). Dance and Tai Chi produced multiple benefits for physical and mental health among non-clinical populations. Their lack of intervention details, however, prevents future studies from replicating. The included studies highlighted a focus on fall prevention focusing mainly on an elderly female population. We recommend that future research assesses independent variables beyond balance and fall-related issues, and is conducted with young participants as well as male participants.