Dance movement therapy in rehabilitation of Parkinson's disease – A feasibility study (original) (raw)

The role of dance therapy in the rehabilitation of Parkinson disease patients

Balneo Research Journal, 2019

Introduction: Parkinson disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease which requires a complex approach including pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment. While kinesiotherapy is a must in Parkinson’s disease patients, dance therapy in rehabilitation programs is not often taken into consideration. Dance therapy is a challenging non-pharmacological treatment which merges physical activity with musical synchronization, socialization , disease acceptance and creativity with daily activities. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of dance therapy on the quality of life, functionality and decrease of depression in Parkinson patients. Material and method: We developed a case control study to evaluate the benefit of dance therapy in Parkinson Patients. The study group consisted in 10 patients from “Puterea Sperantei Project”. The intervention consisted in 40 minutes/day of dance therapy during two weeks. First control group consisted of 10 patients admitte...

Dance therapy for individuals with Parkinson's disease: improving quality of life

Journal of Parkinsonism and Restless Legs Syndrome

Parkinson's disease (PD) affects mobility and health-related quality of life (HRQOL), through a neurodegenerative disease process. Drugs and pharmacology do not fully address motor, cognitive, and psychosocial symptoms; therefore, adjunctive therapies have been researched for their efficacy at addressing these issues. One form of exercise, dance, has received attention because recent studies have demonstrated dance's ability to improve mobility and HRQOL in people with PD. The purpose of this integrative review was to present evidence supporting or refuting improved HRQOL in individuals with PD after participation in a danceor music-based movement intervention. Potential mechanisms of HRQOL improvement are offered. Search terms including "Parkinson's disease", "dance", "quality of life", "exercise", "dance/movement therapy", and "music" were entered in groupings into PubMed, CINAHL ® , EMBASE™, PsycINFO ® , Web of Science™, and the Cochrane Library databases. Papers were included if they were randomized controlled trials, pilot studies, or case reports that were related to HRQOL and dance/movement and/or specifically related to determining the mechanisms potentially underlying dance effects. To date, the available research has been inconclusive in demonstrating that dance has a positive impact on HRQOL; however, further research is required. This review suggests that, at the very least, dance has the potential to impact the HRQOL and possibly the health behaviors of individuals with PD. Interventions for those with PD must be targeted and efficient. Going forward, research should explore mechanisms of dance's effects for those with neurodegenerative conditions in order to inform novel mobility rehabilitation that benefits HRQOL.

Dance for People With Parkinson Disease: What Is the Evidence Telling Us?

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2015

Objectives: (1) To appraise and synthesize the literature on dance interventions for individuals with Parkinson disease (PD); (2) to provide information regarding the frequency, intensity, duration, and type of dance used in these programs; and (3) to inform the development of future studies evaluating dance interventions in this population. Data Sources: Eight databases (MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature [CINAHL], the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database [AMED], SPORTDiscus, PubMed, PubMed Central, Sage, and ScienceDirect) were electronically searched in April 2014. The references lists from the included articles were also searched. Study Selection: Studies retrieved during the literature search were reviewed by 2 reviewers independently. Suitable articles were identified by applying inclusion criteria. Data Extraction: Data regarding participants and the frequency, intensity, duration, and type of dance form used were extracted. The effect that each dance program had on defined outcomes and the feasibility of each program were also reviewed. Data Synthesis: Thirteen articles were identified. The quality of studies varied, and methodological limitations were evident in some. The evidence evaluated suggests that two 1-hour dance classes per week over 10 to 13 weeks may have beneficial effects on endurance, motor impairment, and balance. Conclusions: Dance may be helpful for some people with PD. This article provides preliminary information to aid clinicians when implementing dance programs for people with PD. Higher-quality multicenter studies are needed to determine the effect of other dance genres and the optimal therapy volume and intensity.

Dancing and Parkinson’s disease: updates on this creative approach to therapy

Journal of parkinsonism & restless legs syndrome, 2017

Introduction: Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with slowness of movement and balance disturbance. Anxiety and social isolation are common and quality of life (QoL) can be compromised. Dancing enables people with PD to participate in an enjoyable form of exercise within a group. This review provides an updated synthesis of the literature comparing dance to other interventions in people with PD. Methods: Six databases were electronically searched. Relevant articles were identified using inclusion criteria. Data on participants, the dance intervention, and outcomes were extracted from suitable articles. Results: Methodological limitations were evident in 13 included articles. The evidence reviewed suggests that dancing is enjoyable and can improve balance, motor function, and QoL. Further research is needed to determine the effect of dancing on cognition and depression in this population. Longer term dance interventions may be needed to achieve more meaningful benefits in mobility. Conclusion: Dancing can be a feasible and beneficial physical activity and improve the wellness of individuals with PD.

Dance for Parkinson's: A new framework for research on its physical, mental, emotional, and social benefits

Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2014

Dance; Parkinson's Summary Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disease commonly associated with symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, freezing during gait, motor control deficits and instability. These physical symptoms can cause a myriad of psychological problems including depression, feelings of loneliness, and low self-esteem. Current research suggests pharmacological interventions do not sufficiently address all symptoms and thus alternative therapies have been deemed an important part of treatment for people with Parkinson's. Dance has shown to be a beneficial activity for this population. Upon reviewing recent dance for Parkinson's studies it is clear that there are developing trends with respect to overall approach. The tendency to place more emphasis on changes to clinical signs is creating a gap whereby research neglects to look at how dance is influencing a particular individual in all aspects of their life. There is a need for a framework that allows for and encourages the analysis of the dancing experience for people with Parkinson's on a variety of levels including physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. With such a framework it would be possible to triangulate the information gathered to draw stronger conclusions that are more meaningful to the people with Parkinson's. This paper would like to propose the use of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health as a possible framework for dance for Parkinson's research.

Dance for PD: a preliminary investigation of effects on motor function and quality of life among persons with Parkinson's disease (PD)

Journal of neural transmission (Vienna, Austria : 1996), 2015

In 2001, Dance for Parkinson's disease (DfPD(®)) classes for persons with Parkinson's disease and care partners were developed by Brooklyn Parkinson Group and Mark Morris Dance Group. A previous assessment suggested that individuals experience positive benefits from DfPD(®). The current preliminary uncontrolled study investigated the effects of a dance intervention on several motor and quality of life aspects of PD following 16 sessions (8 weeks; 20 h) taught by professional dancers/teachers. A mixed methods design was used to determine the effects of the class. Assessment instruments administered at baseline and post-intervention included the Hoehn and Yahr, UPDRS (part III), Berg Balance Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and PDQ-39 and individual interviews after the last class. Hoehn and Yahr scores ranged from 1 to 4. UPDRS III total scores and sub scores of gait and tremor improved following the intervention (P < 0.05). During interviews participants reported physica...

P2.061 Integrated rehabilitation strategies in Parkinson's disease: motor, dance and music therapy

Parkinsonism & Related Disorders, 2008

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive degenerative illness that especially in the late course is characterized by motor and nonmotor signs. The pharmacological treatment may improve motor signs, whereas non-motor signs (postural, gait, speech and cognitive) do not have benefit from medical therapy. There is no evidence that general rehabilitation intervention may be effective for PD. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of an eight months course of an integrated (dance, music and motor) rehabilitation programme involving a group of 15 PD patients without dementia. Method: Fifteen patients attended three (60 min) sessions every week, of an integrated rehabilitation therapy focused to improve balance, postural control, walking, and to learn new strategies for avoiding falls and freezing. Patients were evaluated before, after four months, at the end of rehabilitation, and three month later by using clinical rating scales (UPDRS; Freezing of Gait Questionnaire [FOG]; PDQ39). Results: The UPDRS-Motor Section, the scores of FOG and the PDQ39 were improved at the end of treatment and they still remained positive after three month of interruption. Conclusions: Analysis of our data demonstrate an immediate benefit of most of the parameters tested and this kind of improvement still remain after three months intervention. The potential efficacy of this integrated rehabilitative approach to PD can be related to the involving of cognitive and behaviour aspects. The rapid reversibility of the clinical benefit generally seen in classic rehabilitation programme can be override by considering the subject by a global concept.

Effects of dance on balance and gait in severe Parkinson disease: A case study

Disability & Rehabilitation, 2010

Purpose:Dance may improve functional mobility in individuals with mild - moderate Parkinson disease (PD), yet dance effects in severe PD remain unexamined. This study's purpose was to evaluate the feasibility and effects of partnered tango classes on balance, endurance and quality of life in an individual with severe PD.Design:Over 10 weeks, the participant attended 20, 1-hour tango classes for individuals with PD. Balance, walking, and quality of life were evaluated before and after the intervention and at a one-month follow-up in this single case design. Caregiver burden was also assessed at all time points.Results:The participant improved on the Berg balance scale, 6 minute walk test, and functional reach. He reported increased balance confidence and improved quality of life as measured by the Parkinson Disease Questionnaire-39 summary index. Gains were maintained at the one-month follow-up. Caregiver burden increased from baseline immediately post-intervention and at follow-up.Conclusion:Twenty partnered tango lessons improved balance, endurance, balance confidence, and quality of life in a participant with severe PD. This is the first report of the use of dance as rehabilitation for an individual with advanced disease who primarily used a wheelchair for transportation.

Music Therapy and Dance as Gait Rehabilitation in Patients With Parkinson Disease: A Review of Evidence

Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, 2018

Parkinson disease causes several changes in gait, such as postural stability, which consequently induces fall risk factors and loss of quality of life. Alternative forms of treatment through rhythmic and dance stimuli have been used to minimize the Parkinson disease effects, which have been shown to be effective in improving gait and providing social well-being and quality of life in the patient. Aim: This review aims to demonstrate the efficiency of music and dance for gait improvement and symptom alleviation in Parkinson disease. Methodology: Studies that analyzed sound stimuli and dance in gait improvement in Parkinson disease were searched through PubMed, Scopus, Doaj, MEDLINE, and ScienceDirect databases from November 2017 to April 2018 and repeated in September 2018. Results and Discussion: Forty-five studies met the inclusion criteria to synthesize the findings on dance and music performance as a treatment for classical symptoms of Parkinson disease. Five reviews and 40 experimental papers have shown that rhythmic stimulation and dance provide the motor, cognitive, and quality of life benefits for participants with Parkinson disease. Thus, sound stimuli and dance offer satisfactory effects for gait, improving cognitive abilities such as motor control and adjustment and spatial memory. In addition, these new treatment modalities stimulate the elderly population to practice physical exercise, generating well-being and helping self-esteem. Conclusion: Dance and music therapy interventions are noninvasive, simple treatment options, which promote gait and cognition.

The Therapeutic Use of Dance for People with Parkinson's Disease

Irish Association of Creative Arts Therapists Journal, 2018

This paper uses English National Ballet’s Dance for Parkinson’s programme to illustrate a literature review of the benefits of dance for people with Parkinson’s disease. To illustrate the creative and therapeutic use of dance in the company’s programme, a distinction is drawn between dance therapy and the experience of being part of a dance company. Short-term improvements in physical symptoms, and subjective improvements in psychological wellbeing are noted, but the benefits of being part of a creative work of dance in terms of social interaction and quality of life appear longer lasting. These appear to emerge from the artistry, self-expression and collaboration in the performance of dance with a professional company, in addition to the benefits of dance therapy in a clinical context.