Authors
- Tatiana Bolgeo -Research Training Innovation Infrastructure, Research and Innovation Department (DAIRI), Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
- Annunziata Lettiero -Research Training Innovation Infrastructure, Research and Innovation Department (DAIRI), Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
- Menada Gardalini -Research Training Innovation Infrastructure, Research and Innovation Department (DAIRI), Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
- Roberta Di Matteo – Research Training Innovation Infrastructure, Research and Innovation Department (DAIRI), Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
- Rita Lorusso -SC Neurorehabilitation, Presidio Teresio Borsalino, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
- Antonio Maconi – Research Training Innovation Infrastructure, Research and Innovation Department (DAIRI), Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
DOI
https://doi.org/10.65241/wh.8.2.1
Article type:
Editorial – Review
Abstract:
The experience of motor disability, especially among wheelchair users with spinal cord injuries, encourages reflection on the transformative power of expressive and movement-based practices. Among these, Dance Movement Therapy emerges as a tool capable of fostering emotional expression, body awareness, and social engagement, extending beyond traditional rehabilitative approaches. Existing literature highlights multiple benefits of Dance Movement Therapy across neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke, demonstrating improvements in physical, psychological, and emotional well-being.
However, despite the growing global population of wheelchair users and the considerable impact of this condition on healthcare costs and caregiver burden, research specifically focused on individuals with spinal cord injury remains limited.
It is within this context that the project developed in a hospital in northern Italy is situated, proposing the integration of Dance Movement Therapy as social prescribing for people with disabilities following spinal cord injury. The project involves both patients and caregivers, valuing their collaborative role in the care relationship and promoting a person-centered model of support. Planned activities include professional training for healthcare providers, dedicated Dance Movement Therapy sessions, and a shared patient–caregiver pathway to enhance emotional support, active participation, and mutual well-being.
In addition to clinical and psychological outcomes, the project includes an economic evaluation to assess the long-term sustainability of the intervention and the potential savings from reduced reliance on traditional treatments and decreased caregiver burden. Overall, this initiative highlights the importance of recognizing Dance Movement Therapy as both a therapeutic and cultural practice capable of promoting inclusion, autonomy, and quality of life for individuals with motor disabilities.
Keywords:
Motor disability, spinal cord injuries, wheelchair users, dance movement therapy.