The impact of dance on the mental health of older adults: a network meta-analysis of anxiety, depression, and well-being

Objective This systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO CRD420251015051) compared the effects of nine distinct dance interventions on the mental health of older adults. Methods Six databases were searched from the earliest records to April 2025. Studies investigating a dance intervention lasting≥4 weeks, including Mental Health and cognitive function health outcomes. Two independent reviewers performed literature screening and data extraction. Review Manager 5.4 was used for pairwise meta-analyses and risk of bias assessment, while Stata 18.0 software was employed for network meta-analyses. Results Of 269 records identified, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. Total sample size of included studies was 1,083 (females, males). The results of the traditional meta-analysis showed that Chinese square dance was superior to the control group in alleviating depression (SMD = 1.11, 95% CI: 0.48, 1.75). For well-being, Chinese square dance was superior to the control group in enhancing well-being (SMD = −1.98, 95% CI: −2.55, −1.41). For anxiety, Chinese square dance was superior to the control group in alleviating anxiety (SMD = 1.21, 95% CI: 0.65, 1.76). For cognitive function, no significant differences were found. In the network meta-analysis, the ranking of treatment effects for depression showed that dance games > Chinese square dance > rhythmic gymnastics > Turkish folk dance > Poco dance > ballroom dance > aerobic dance > control group> creative dance. The ranking of treatment effects for well-being showed that Chinese square dance > aerobic dance > Turkish folk dance > control group. The ranking of treatment effects for anxiety showed that Chinese square dance = group dance > Poco dance > control group, while for cognitive function, the ranking showed Poco dance > Chinese square dance > creative dance > control group. Conclusion This study found that dance has positive effects on improving depression and anxiety whilst enhancing well-being among older adults. Among the nine different types of dance interventions, it was considered an effective approach for improving depression, well-being, and anxiety. However, we encourage older adults to choose dance modalities that suit their interests to enhance adherence.