Group dance interventions for community dwelling older adults to prevent and treat sarcopenia: a mixed methods systematic review

Group dance is an engaging physical activity that may benefit the prevention and management of sarcopenia among older adults. However, current evidence on this topic is limited. We aimed to evaluate published evidence on group dance for sarcopenia in community dwelling older adults. Studies published in English and Chinese between 2014 and 2024 were identified through searches in MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO via Ovid, CINAHL via EBSCO, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang, Google Scholar, and Web of Science Core Collection. Two reviewers independently performed screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. Quantitative data were meta-analysed, and qualitative findings were analysed using thematic analysis. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024554152). 24 studies were included, comprising 1840 participants across 12 countries and involving nine types of group dance interventions. Meta-analysis showed significant improvements in the Short Physical Performance Battery (MD = 1.32, 95%CI: 0.56, 2.08, I² = 37%), Sit and Reach Test (MD = 1.91, 95%CI: 0.29, 2.91, I² = 0), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MD = 0.94, 95%CI: 0.01, 1.87, I² = 0) and Trail Making Test (SMD = 0.12, 95%CI: 0.03, 0.21, I² = 34%). No significant differences were observed in muscle strength, 5 times Sit-To-Stand, Time Up and Go, Single Leg Test, 30s Chair Stand, and gait speed. Qualitative analysis identified three overarching themes: psychosocial, physical, and cognitive wellbeing. Group dance is a safe, acceptable, and promising community intervention that improves physical performance in older adults. Enjoyment-driven and socially engaging group dance interventions are encouraged to support the prevention and management of sarcopenia. Future investigation should use sarcopenia-specific assessments, and consider cultural context, baseline physical status, and individual preferences when designing and evaluating group dance interventions.