The effects of dance intervention on clinical symptoms and cognitive deficits in hospitalized patients with chronic schizophrenia: a randomized controlled trial

作者：Gujing Li, Hui He, Kexin Gao, Yuanyuan Yu, Yayun Liu, T. Li, Xi Peng, Frank Pollick, Jing Lu, Lixue Yin, Dezhong Yao, Mingjun Duan, Min Li, Cheng Luo · 发表于：PeerJ · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.7717/peerj.19840 · 被引用次数：3 · 研究领域：Diversity and Impact of Dance、Art Therapy and Mental Health、Schizophrenia research and treatment

Background Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that imposes significant social burdens. Traditional treatmens, however, have limited effectiveness in addressing negative symptoms and cognitive deficits. Recent studies have indicated interventions promoting sensorimotor integration may offer potential benefits for schizophrenia treatment. The current study aimes to investigate the effects of dance training as an intervention for patients with chronic schizophrenia. Methods This study recruited 34 individuals with schizophrenia, who were randomly allocated to either a dance intervention group ( n = 18) or an aerobic exercise group ( n = 14) for a 3-month program including fifty-minute sessions three times per week. Clinical symptoms were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Nurses’ Observation Scale for Inpatient Evaluation (NOISE). Cognitive function was evaluated using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). Meanwhile, physiological indicators were also collected to explore the underlying physiological effects of the dance intervention. All measurements were taken before and after the interventions. Results The PANSS total scores ( P < 0.01**), PANSS negative scores ( p < 0.001**), NOISE score ( p < 0.001**), MCCB cognitive scores, and physiological indicators were significantly changed after the intervention in both groups compared with baseline. Post-hoc analysis revealed notable improvements in the specific cognitive su...