Effects of creative dance on functional capacity, pulmonary function, balance, and cognition in COPD patients: A randomized controlled trial

Background Exercise training is key to the comprehensive management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Creative dance can be an innovative approach as effective as traditional exercise training. Objectives This study aimed to investigate effect of creative dance-based exercise (CDE) training on functional capacity, postural stability and balance, pulmonary and cognitive functions, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength in COPD patients. Methods Twenty-four patients with COPD were randomly allocated to either “chest physiotherapy and home-based walking program” (PT) or “CDE alongside home-based chest physiotherapy group” (PT+CDE). Both groups performed chest PT program twice a day for 5 days per week for 8 weeks. PT+CDE group received CDE training 2 days a week for 8 weeks. Primary outcome was six minute walk test (6MWT). Secondary outcomes were postural stability and balance, pulmonary function, maximum inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory (MEP) pressure, peripheral muscle strength, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), COPD Assessment Test (CAT), and BODE index. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks of training. Results Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in 6MWT distance, MIP, MEP, MoCA score, CAT, and BODE index (p < 0.05). Only with CDE training was achieved improvements in postural stability and balance scores, pulmonary function, and peripheral muscle strength (p < 0.05). The improvements in 6 MWT distance, MEP, MoCA score, and CAT were greater in PT+CDE group (p < 0.05). Conclusion Use of creative dance training in addition to home-based chest PT program was more effective than chest PT program regarding primary and secondary outcomes in COPD patients.