Taking salsa classes can improve mental health, Oxford study suggests
The News
A randomized controlled trial by the University of Oxford and Oxford Health NHS trust found that eight weeks of salsa dancing reduced depressive symptoms and social anxiety in 121 young adults with mild to moderate depression and anxiety. Salsa, a popular dance form blending Caribbean, Spanish, and African styles, is already known for physical and cognitive benefits. The study suggests that dance could be an effective mental health intervention.
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Intelligence Brief
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Salsa is participatory and social
Researchers at the University of Oxford and the Oxford Health NHS trust conducted a randomised controlled trial on 121 young adults with mild to moderate depression and anxiety.
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Key findings
Salsa is believed to offer cognitive and physical benefits such as improving cardiovascular health, muscle tone and posture.
Opinion- Mental health is a global concern
- Salsa is culturally inclusive
Trust Breakdown
Plain English
Loaded language removedResearchers find dance reduced depressive symptoms and social anxiety in young people in eight-week trial. Salsa is one of the most popular dance forms, with hundreds of millions of followers worldwide.
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Claims
Salsa is believed to offer cognitive and physical benefits such as improving cardiovascular health, muscle tone and posture.
OpinionResearchers at the University of Oxford and the Oxford Health NHS trust conducted a randomised controlled trial on 121 young adults with mild to moderate depression and anxiety.
The GuardianThe study found that salsa dancing reduced depressive symptoms and social anxiety in young people over an eight-week trial.
The GuardianSalsa is a mix of Caribbean, Spanish and African musical styles and rhythms.
The GuardianSalsa is one of the most popular dance forms with hundreds of millions of followers worldwide.
The GuardianThe trial was eight weeks long.
The Guardian