Effectiveness of Dance Therapy in Stroke Patients.

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.