Effectiveness of Dance Therapy in Stroke Patients.

NCT07578493 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: NEURODANZAUSAL
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 16
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Hemiparesis following a stroke is associated with persistent deficits in postural control, balance, and social participation, especially in the chronic phase. Dance therapy, as a multisensory intervention based on movement, music, and body expression, could promote sensorimotor integration and improve postural stability, complementing conventional physiotherapy. The primary objective of this pilot study is to evaluate the effect of a therapeutic dance program on postural control in individuals with chronic hemiparesis. A secondary objective is to analyze changes in functional balance and gait, as well as subjective satisfaction with the therapy. A controlled study with two parallel groups will be conducted. Sixteen participants with chronic hemiparesis will be recruited (n=8 experimental group; n=8 control group). Both groups will receive standard physiotherapy, but the experimental group will also receive an 8-week therapeutic dance program, with one 30-minute session per week to complement their usual therapy. Pre- and post-intervention assessments will be performed. ThThe experimental group is expected to show a significantly greater improvement in posturographic and clinical parameters compared to the control group. The results could support the implementation of dance therapy as a complementary intervention in community neurorehabilitation programs.

Conditions

Balance; Gait Analysis; Thermography; Range of Motion, Articular; Muscular Strength

Keywords

Dance Therapy; Stroke; Postural balance; Gait; Physical Therapy Modalities

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Static and dynamic postural control

  The oscillation of the Center of Pressure will be recorded in millimeters during the static position (Romberg test, hold the position with feet together with eyes open and eyes closed for 52 seconds) and walking at your preferred speed.

  From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

• Load distribution during gait

  The percentage (%) of load on each leg will be recorded during walking at your preferred speed.

  From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Satisfaction with the activity

  After completing the 8-week intervention

• Adherence to treatment

  After completing the 8-week intervention

Study Arms (2)

Dance therapy group

EXPERIMENTAL

Other: Dance therapy; Other: Regular physiotherapy

Conventional treatment group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Other: Regular physiotherapy

Interventions

Dance therapy OTHER

The experimental group will participate in an 8-week therapeutic dance program, with one 30-minute session per week, as a complement to their regular physiotherapy. Each session will integrate: • Bilateral and diagonal PNF patterns adapted to the affected side of the body. • Rhythmic movement guided by moderate-tempo music. • Exercises focused on postural symmetry and weight transfer. • Explicit and implicit motor learning strategies. The rhythmic components will be selected to optimize audio-motor synchronization, while the PNF patterns will aim to maximize sensorimotor activation and proximal stability. The intervention will be adaptable and progressive according to the patient's clinical response.

Dance therapy group

Regular physiotherapy OTHER

All participants, including those in the control group, will receive standard physiotherapy provided by their primary care center, focused on functional maintenance, mobility, and strengthening, without dance or rhythmic PNF components. They will receive two 40-minute sessions per week, individualized and adapted to their functional status.

Conventional treatment group; Dance therapy group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 80 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Chronic hemiparesis (≥ 6 months post-stroke).
• Ability to maintain independent standing or with minimal assistance.
• Clinical stability to perform moderate physical exercise.
• Sufficient understanding to follow simple instructions.

You may not qualify if:

• Severe aphasia or other cognitive disorders that limit comprehension.
• Behavioral disorders that hinder group participation.
• Severe musculoskeletal disorders or concomitant neurological conditions.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Salamanca: lead
• INSTITUTO DE INVESTIGACION BIOMEDICA DE SALAMANCA (IBSAL): collaborator

Study Sites (1)

University of Salamanca

Salamanca, Salamanca, 37008, Spain

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Stroke

Interventions

Dance Therapy

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Cerebrovascular Disorders; Brain Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Vascular Diseases; Cardiovascular Diseases

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Sensory Art Therapies; Complementary Therapies; Therapeutics; Rehabilitation; Aftercare; Continuity of Patient Care; Patient Care; Exercise Movement Techniques; Physical Therapy Modalities; Psychotherapy; Behavioral Disciplines and Activities

Central Study Contacts

Fatima Perez-Robledo, Dr.

CONTACT

0034 619 885 479; fatima_pr@usal.es

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: INVESTIGATOR, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Dr.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 28, 2026
• First Posted: May 11, 2026
• Study Start: May 15, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): October 30, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): November 30, 2026
• Last Updated: May 11, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Locations

ES (1)