Preliminary experience with dance movement therapy in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome

To evaluate the influence of dance movement therapy (DMT) on the perception of well-being and functional capacity inwomenwith chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Previous studies have analysed the effects of DMT in fibromyalgia but not specifically in CFS. Sevenwomen diagnosedwith CFS attended a 4-month DMTprogram.All of themperformedamaximal physical test before and after theDMT intervention. Their perceptions of physical and psychologicalwell-beingwere evaluatedwith a continuous visual scale. After each session all the patients were asked to write a report at home about their impressions and feelings. Dance movement therapy had a positive effect, both qualitatively and quantitatively, on patients’ perceptions ofwell-being. Therewere no significant changes in performance on the physical test. Comparing perceptions before and after each session, the perceptions of physical well-being improved by an average of 25.8% and perceptions of psychological well-being by 22.7%. Although we did not demonstrate an improvement in functional capacity, women with CFS reported improvements in their perceptions of physical and psychological well-being after DMT program. A larger sample is required to assess the possibilities of DMT with CFS in greater depth. © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.