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09:19
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Effects of Dance-Based Exercise on Health Indicators in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Sara Zgonc1, Aleksandra Ilić2, Matej Plevnik1
1Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Izola, Slovenia.
Summary
Dance-based exercise significantly improved physical quality of life for cancer patients. While not statistically significant, trends suggest benefits for social well-being, though evidence quality is low.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Exercise Science
- Psychosocial Health
Background:
- Dance-based exercise is explored as a complementary therapy in oncology.
- Potential benefits include improvements in physical, psychological, and social health.
- Existing evidence is inconsistent, lacking a clear establishment of overall strength.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the effects of dance-based exercise on health indicators in cancer patients.
- To evaluate impacts on quality of life, depression, and stress.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search conducted in April 2025.
- Included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of dance interventions in adults with cancer.
- Assessed methodological quality using PEDro scale and certainty of evidence with GRADE approach. Performed random-effects meta-analyses.
Main Results:
- Dance-based exercise significantly improved physical quality of life (SMD = 0.61, P = 0.03).
- A positive but non-significant trend was observed for social/family quality of life (SMD = 0.87, P = 0.11).
- Pooled results for depression and stress did not reach statistical significance; evidence quality was very low to low.
Conclusions:
- Dance-based exercise is a feasible and beneficial complementary intervention for enhancing selected quality of life dimensions in cancer patients.
- Further research with standardized protocols and outcome measures is needed to clarify effects on psychological and physical health domains.
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