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Dance as a double-edged sword: physiological adaptations, injury risks and therapeutic potential
Andrea Hinojosa-Azaola1, Emma Renoult2, Lise Lam-Briand2
1Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico.
RMD Open
|June 29, 2026
Summary
Dance participation offers physiological benefits but carries a high risk of musculoskeletal injuries, particularly in the lower limbs. Understanding risk factors is crucial for prevention and for exploring dance therapy
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Physiology
- Rehabilitation
Background:
- Dance is a demanding physical activity impacting multiple body systems.
- It induces significant physiological adaptations, enhancing strength, balance, and body composition.
- High rates of musculoskeletal injuries, especially lower limb overuse injuries, are prevalent in dancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review physiological adaptations to dance.
- To examine the spectrum of dance-related musculoskeletal injuries and risk factors.
- To explore dance therapy as a non-pharmacological intervention.
Main Methods:
- This study is a narrative review.
- It synthesizes existing literature on dance physiology, injuries, and therapeutic applications.
- Limitations include narrative design, study heterogeneity, and small sample sizes.
Main Results:
- Dance leads to beneficial physiological changes but also increases injury risk.
- Common injuries include sprains, muscle strains, and stress fractures, primarily in the lower limbs.
- Risk factors include growth phases, training load, footwear, and individual characteristics.
- Dance therapy shows potential for conditions like fibromyalgia, though evidence is limited.
Conclusions:
- Dance participation requires careful management of physiological demands and injury risks.
- Further research is needed to validate dance therapy's efficacy and address occupational recognition of dance injuries.
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