Stress and Physical Activity - Can dancing be used as a form of physical activity to reduce stress?

 In his lecture, Dr. Trevor Buhr discussed how exposure to stress can impact physical activity. Currently, about 1/4th of the global population and roughly 80% of adolescents don’t meet the recommended physical activity levels. Data has shown that about 60 to 70% of the population are likely to experience one or more psychological traumas before adulthood and there has been a correlation that those with PTSD are 3 times less likely to be physically active. 

In order to determine the relationship between stress and physical activity, Dr. Buhr’s research used rodents as models of stress-induced physical activity. Rats were exposed to varying amounts of stress through tail shocks and then given free access to exercise on wheels. Results indicated that the more tail shocks rats were exposed, the less they exercised. It is possible that neurophysiological changes in the prefrontal cortex or to dopamine contribute to this behavioral change. For example, stress can impact neurons in the striatum or change the expression of genes like Ube3a and Zeb2 which play a role in plasticity and protein degradation. 

Interestingly, while stress can lead to a lack of physical activity, more exercise has been shown to improve both stress and depression/anxiety symptoms. In a 2021 article, “ The effect of dancing interventions on depression symptoms, anxiety, and stress in adults without musculoskeletal disorders: An integrative review and meta-analysis” it was found that dancing can be used as a therapeutic way to reduce depression and anxiety symptoms. Dancing interventions, common ones include Salsa, Tango, or ballroom dance, are organized forms of dancing which focus on improving both physical health and mental wellbeing. The study explained how dancing helps emphasize creative and expressive aspects in individuals while enhancing cardiovascular health, balance, and social interactions and relationships. It was suggested that at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity dancing per week would be an effective form of exercise for adults to reduce stress. Although research about the mechanisms behind why and how dancing improves mental wellbeing and alleviates stress is on-going, the article suggests that dance helps release endorphins and related neurochemicals including adrenaline, dopamine and serotonin. Additionally, the social environment that the dancing takes place in could've also helped reduce stress among individuals while the music promoted emotional and mood regulation.

The relationship between physical activity and mental health is an important connection to research because while poor mental health can lead to physical inactivity, it’s been shown that actually doing more exercise can help improve those symptoms. Dance therapy especially could be beneficial for those struggling with mental health because it can be a way for people to connect with music, connect with other dancers, and express themselves, which can potentially help improve mental wellbeing. 

References:

Buhr, T. J., et al. (2023). The persistence of stress-induced physical inactivity in rats: an investigation of central monoamine neurotransmitters and skeletal muscle oxidative stress. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 17, 1169151. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1169151

Salihu, D., et al. (2021). The effect of dancing interventions on depression symptoms, anxiety, and stress in adults without musculoskeletal disorders: An integrative review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 45, 101467. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101467