Taking salsa classes can improve mental health, Oxford study suggests | TheBriefWire
Taking salsa classes can improve mental health, Oxford study suggests
Published 17 July 2026 ยท health
Researchers 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
Researchers 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.
A mix of Caribbean, Spanish and African musical styles and rhythms, it is believed to offer many cognitive and physical benefits, such as improving cardiovascular health, muscle tone and posture.
Now a randomised controlled trial suggests it could also reduce depression and anxiety. Researchers at the University of Oxford and the Oxford Health NHS trust studied 121 young adults with mild to moderate depression and anxiety who were randomly assigned to a salsa dance programme or a control group.
Published: July 17, 2026 โข 10:30 AM IST ยท Updated: July 17, 2026 โข 11:08 AM ISTBy TheBriefWire Editorial Team
Key points
Researchers 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.
A mix of Caribbean, Spanish and African musical styles and rhythms, it is believed to offer many cognitive and physical benefits, such as improving cardiovascular health, muscle tone and posture.
Now a randomised controlled trial suggests it could also reduce depression and anxiety.
Researchers at the University of Oxford and the Oxford Health NHS trust studied 121 young adults with mild to moderate depression and anxiety who were randomly assigned to a salsa dance programme or a control group.