Dance Interventions for Individuals Post-Stroke - A Scoping Review Protocol

Abstract The purpose of this scoping review will be to explore the current literature on dance interventions for individuals post-stroke. Specifically, we will conduct a systematic search of published studies to map the state of the literature on feasibility, intervention procedures, and efficacy of dance to improve health-related outcomes for individuals post-stroke. Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability frequently causing motor and cognitive impairments that impact functional abilities. Dance inherently encompasses key principles of motor learning including cognitive-motor specific task practice, sensory feedback, and social engagement. Dance and music create an enriched environment, engaging emotion and promoting positive affect. Electronic databases were searched in February 2021. Original, peer-reviewed studies will be included if they broadly describe the use of a dance intervention for individuals post-stroke. Studies including other neurological populations will be considered only if stroke results can be isolated. We will categorize studies based on dance style, study type, population characteristics, and study setting. We will narratively synthesize results, assessing feasibility, intervention procedures, and efficacy of dance to improve health-related outcomes in stroke survivors, including potential motor, cognitive, psychological, and social benefits. This scoping review will be the first to broadly describe the existing literature on dance interventions for individuals post-stroke. We hope to identify trends in outcomes measures as well as reveal successes, limitations, and gaps in the literature to inform potential directions for future research in the field.