title: Dance in physical rehabilitation.
abstract: Dance shows promise as an efficient, effective, and exhilarating physical therapy modality, with inherent sources of motivation for long-term neurological and orthopedic patients in a hospital or community setting. Four years' experience in adapting dance to the purpose of therapy in a group setting is described. The dance program developed combines the theories and techniques of physical therapy with the expressive, creative, and intellectual challenge of dance using music and other artistic motivating stimuli. Several dimensions of the modality are discussed and positive results are noted, through concrete illustrations.
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D003615:Dancing; D006127:Group Structure; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D012649:Self Concept; D012919:Social Behavior