Dance Movement Therapy Reduces Stress-Related Physiological Markers and Improves Life Satisfaction in Adults

Introduction: Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) is based on the mind-body interaction, where changes in movement can promote psychological well-being and physical health. This study aimed to assess the effects of DMT on stress-related physiological markers and psychological health outcomes, and to explore whether previous physical activity influenced participants’ responses. Methods: A pre-post experimental design was used with three groups classified by prior activity: previous DMT experience, previous physical exercise, and no prior physical activity. Thirty healthy adults (aged 25-55) participated in an 8-week DMT intervention. Salivary cortisol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, Borg of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scores, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were measured at baseline and post-intervention. Results: All participants showed significant reductions in cortisol levels ( P < .001), systolic and diastolic blood pressure ( P < .05) and heart rate ( P < .05) at the end of the session. Participants who had previously exercised had significantly lower heart rate values throughout the session ( P < .05). Borg RPE scores fluctuated over time, with week-to-week changes suggesting variable perceived exertion. SWLS scores increased significantly from baseline to post-intervention ( P < .001), with similar trends in all groups. Conclusions: DMT was associated with improvements in both physiological stress markers and life satisfaction, regardless of participants’ prior physical activity levels, and was perceived as a low-to-moderate intensity intervention. These findings could support the use of DMT as a non-pharmacological approach that can be used to improve emotional well-being and cardiovascular regulation in a wide range of situations.