Dance intervention improved cognitive function and quality of life in chronic stroke patients compared to controlDance exercise may improve thinking and quality of life in chronic stroke patients

This single-blind, randomized controlled trial investigated the impact of a dance intervention on cognitive function and quality of life in patients with chronic stroke. The study enrolled 40 participants at X State Hospital. The intervention group received 60-minute dance sessions three times per week for 12 weeks under the guidance of a dance instructor, while the control group received standard care.

The primary outcomes assessed included SS-QOL sub-dimensions (energy activities, personality, social and family roles, thinking, language, mood) and MoCA scores. Results demonstrated significant improvements in SS-QOL sub-dimensions and MoCA scores for the dance intervention group compared to the control group. The direction of the effect showed improvement in the intervention group and deterioration in the control group, with a p-value of less than 0.001.

Safety and tolerability data were not reported in the study, including adverse events, serious adverse events, discontinuations, or general tolerability. Limitations include the small sample size of 40 participants and the single-blind design, which may introduce bias. No specific funding or conflicts of interest were reported. The practice relevance is currently limited by the lack of long-term safety data and the need for replication in larger cohorts.