Biodanza: systematic review of the benefits of an emerging practice in the promotion of health and well-being

Abstract

Abstract. Biodanza is an emerging discipline apparently related to health and well-being. It is based on an system integrating disciplines such as dance, music, and, particularly, body expression, which allows participants to adapt their initial level and abilities. In order to know the benefits of the practice of biodanza, it is necessary to systematically review the scientific literature related to it. Objective: this article aims to systematically review the benefits of biodanza on health. Method: the studies were identified in the databases until December 2018. Quantitative design research, published both in English and Spanish, were selected. Nine articles meeting the inclusion criteria were identified. Results: biodanza shows positive results on the health of women with fibromyalgia, as well as in the general population and children. Depression, anxiety, quality of sleep, or emotional intelligence were among the health variables analyzed. Conclusions: the studies show a positive relationship between biodanza practitioners and some health parameters, especially wellbeing variables. Biodanza seems to have also a clear utility in community work and health promotion. The studies are still scarce and the samples are not random, so the results cannot be easily generalized.