Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological condition that primarily affects movement. While motor symptoms are the most recognized aspect of PD, non-motor symptoms also play a significant role and can appear at various stages of the disease. Emerging research highlights physical activity, particularly dance-based movement, as a valuable complementary therapy for managing a range of PD symptoms. Dance is a multifaceted activity requiring rhythmic coordination and diverse neuromuscular functions, making it a potentially powerful tool in addressing the challenges of Parkinson’s.
A recent study investigated the effects of physical activity rooted in dance movements on individuals diagnosed with PD. The research focused on key areas impacted by the disease: movement capabilities, executive functions, depressive symptoms, overall quality of life, and the severity of Parkinson’s itself. Thirteen participants with mild to moderate PD (Hoehn & Yahr stages I-III) engaged in dance-based physical activity twice a week for six months. Researchers assessed participants before and after the intervention, utilizing established measures for movement (POMA, TUG, MDS-UPDRS Part III), executive function (FAB), depressive symptoms (MADRS), quality of life (PDQ-39), and PD severity (MDS-UPDRS TOTAL).
The study revealed significant positive changes across multiple areas following the dance intervention. Participants demonstrated notable improvements in movement, specifically in balance and gait, as measured by the POMA test. Executive functions also showed considerable enhancement, particularly in areas of abstract reasoning and inhibitory control, as indicated by the FAB test and its sub-components. Furthermore, the severity of depressive symptoms, assessed by the MADRS test, significantly decreased. Perhaps most importantly, participants reported a significant boost in their quality of life, as measured by the PDQ-39 questionnaire. These collective findings strongly suggest that physical activity based On Dance movements can lead to tangible improvements for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.
In conclusion, this research underscores the beneficial role of dance-based physical activity in managing Parkinson’s disease. The study’s outcomes demonstrate that incorporating dance into a therapeutic approach can contribute to significant enhancements in movement abilities, executive functions, and overall quality of life for individuals with PD. The positive effects observed may stem from dance’s ability to integrate sensorimotor skills, cognitive processing, and social engagement, offering a holistic approach to addressing the complexities of Parkinson’s. This study, registered in the Brazilian registry of clinical trials (RBR-3bhbrb5), adds to the growing body of evidence supporting dance as a valuable complementary therapy for Parkinson’s disease.
