Aim: This study aims to evaluate the existing literature examining the effects of Turkish folk dances on postural balance levels of individuals. Methods: A literature search was conducted in EBSCOhost, PubMed, , and the National Thesis Center databases. The keywords used were “Halk oyunları”, “Halk dansları”, “Denge”, “Postural denge”, “Fiziksel uygunluk”, “Balance”, “Folk dance”, “Turkish folk dance” and “Physical fitness”.
Language (Turkish and English) and publication year (2005–2025) filters were applied during the search. Studies that met the inclusion criteria following the full-text review were included in the review. Results: A total of 11 studies published between 2005 and 2025 were included in this review. The majority of the studies were cross-sectional comparative and quasiexperimental in design, with young adults being the most frequently studied age group.
Intervention durations were commonly around 8 weeks, and the most frequently used balance assessment tools were the Flamingo Balance Test, Biodex Balance System, and electronic balance devices. In addition, the Berg Balance Scale and functional balance tests were also reported in the included studies.
Conclusion and Recommendations: The findings suggest that regular Turkish folk dance practices may have positive effects on postural balance and related motor performance parameters. However, due to methodological heterogeneity among the existing studies, further high-quality research with stronger levels of evidence is needed.
