Author(s): CALVO ESTELRICH, C., PÉREZ-CALZADO, E., TORRENTS, C., Institution: UNIVERISTY OF LLEIDA, Country: SPAIN, Abstract-ID: 1386

INTRODUCTION:
Central Sensitivity Syndromes (CSS), including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and multiple chemical sensitivity, are associated with persistent pain and reduced well-being. Although management is often pharmacological, physical activity is beneficial; however, the specific contribution of creative processes within dance programs remains underexplored. This study evaluated the impact of two 15-week (2 × 90-min sessions/week) dance programs (one creative-based and one non-creative) versus a control group on the well-being and creativity of women with CSS.
METHODS:
A mixed-methods controlled pre–post design was employed. 34 women with CSS (57.78 ± 8.92) were allocated to: (A) creative-based dance (n=10), (B) non-creative dance (n=11), and (C) no-intervention control (n=12). Quantitative outcomes included pre–post assessments: Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI)[1], Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21)[2], Creative Self-Efficacy (CES)[3], Runco Ideational Behavior Scale (RIBS)[4], and a dance improvisation task DICAT[5]. Session-level pain was monitored pre- and post-session using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)[6]. Qualitative data were collected via semi-structured interviews and thematically analyzed using NVivo.
RESULTS:
Linear mixed-effects models indicated significant effects for CES (Time p=.001; Group×Time p=.012), with increases in A (Δ=305.3, p=.001) and B (Δ=235.2, p=.007), but not C. RIBS Factor 1 showed a significant Group×Time effect (p=.009), driven by an increase in A (Δ=6.90, p=.007). DASS-21 stress decreased in B (Δ=−2.727, p=.021). CSI showed no significant effects. Motor creativity (DICAT) showed a significant Group×Time interaction (p=.003), driven by an increase in A (Δ=+6.95, p<.001), and non-significant effects in B and C.
Session-level VAS showed an acute Moment effect (p<.001), with similar pre–post decreases in A (Δ=−1.63, p<.001) and B (Δ=−1.58, p<.001); and a small but significant decline in basal pain across sessions (p=.012).
Thematic analysis indicated a highly positive experience, with improved self-concept, greater awareness of personal limits, and increased appreciation of abilities. Perceived group cohesion was higher in Group A than Group B.
CONCLUSION:
Dance appears to be a beneficial and feasible adjunct to care for women with CSS, supporting psychological well-being, reducing short-term pain with a modest decline over time, and strengthening personal resources linked to adaptive functioning. Beyond these general benefits, integrating creative processes may provide added value by more strongly enhancing creativity-related outcomes, fostering group cohesion, and promoting a more meaningful engagement with movement.

[1] Mayer et al., Pain Pract, 2012
[2] Fonseca-Pedrero et al., Ansiedad Estrés, 2010
[3] Richard et al., J Creat Behav, 2024
[4] Runco et al., Creat Res J, 2001
[5] Pérez-Calzado et al., Apunts Educ Fís Deport, 2026
[6] Hayes & Patterson, Psychol Bull, 1921