Beneficial effects of dance in natural environments as a function of objectively measured physical engagement

Abstract

Psychological benefits of jogging or walking in natural environments have been well documented. Effects of dancing outdoors still require evidence. Using different environments, we tested how engagement in this social and accompanied by music form of activity may lead to emotional restoration. Sixty-six regular dancers participated in a salsa-solo session either indoors (dance room) or outdoors (park). Their level of restoration was assessed with self-reports of emotions and stress before and after the session. Additionally, physical engagement was measured with accelerometers. The dancers in the park felt more relaxed and calm after the salsa session, but no differences were observed in the perceived physical fatigue in two groups. However, an objectively measured engagement was much higher among the dancers in the park. Moreover, the engagement fully mediated the beneficial effect of outdoor environment on the level of restoration. Although dance is usually performed indoors, natural environments seem to amplify its merits for psychological restoration. The results encourage further research on the physical engagement as a mediator of the effect of restorative environments on people’s well-being.