Dance Movement Therapy: A Promising Lifestyle Intervention in the Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Article history Received: 13 July 2020 Accepted: 21 July 2020 Published Online: 30 July 2020 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a progressive multicomponent malady with high morbidity and mortality, is an important public health challenge, throughout the world. Despite remarkable progress in its diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, significant number of patients, especially the elderly, continue to suffer from distressing dyspnoea and harrowing extra-pulmonary manifestations limiting their daily activities, with resultant exercise intolerance. Dance Movement Therapy (DMT), a pleasurable and feasible exercise, has been found to be equally efficacious when compared to routinely prescribed physical exercises. Moreover, it has aesthetic expression, attractive to both genders irrespective of age, tempting to those with disabilities, and a fruitful tool in developing self-confidence. During the current stressful situation, caused by COVID-19 pandemic, the COPD patients, notably those over 70 years, are particularly vulnerable to intensification of symptoms and some of them may experience serious disorders of mental illness. Home isolation, social distancing,limiting outdoor activities and prohibiting participation in group exercises, though being appropriate prophylactic measures, are likely to add to already existing physical inactivity and heighten stress and depression, with deleterious effects on overall well-being. Solo dancing, while restricted to home, is a highly accessible, doable, sustainable and well rewarding alternative.