Dance for the rehabilitation of balance and gait in adults with neurological conditions other than Parkinson's disease: A systematic review

Abstract

PurposeTo conduct a systematic review that examined the effect of dance interventions on balance, gait and functional mobility outcomes in adults with neurological conditions other than Parkinson's disease.MethodsA systematic search of relevant databases was conducted. Data extraction and methodological appraisal were performed by two independent authors.ResultsNine studies were included (4 pre-post studies with no control group, 3 case reports, and 2 controlled studies) and results of the methodological quality assessment ranged from poor to good. Study groups included stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and Huntington's disease. Dance interventions varied in frequency, type and duration, and only 1 study reported intensity. Study dropout rates ranged from 20–44%, and 88–100% of dance classes were attended. Only 3 studies mentioned adverse events, of which there were none. A summary of results revealed significant changes in spatiotemporal gait parameters, Berg Balance Scale scores, Timed Up and Go test and six-minute walk test that were similar to or greater than those previously reported in a review of dance for individuals with Parkinson's disease.ConclusionsThere is emerging evidence to support the use of dance as a feasible intervention for adults with neurological conditions. Further investigation of the effects of dance with randomized controlled trials using larger sample sizes and better reporting of the intervention, participant tolerance, and adverse events is warranted.

Study of the effects of adapted Tango and multidimensional intervention in pREvention of dementia in agiNG: developing healTHy lifestyle programs (STRENGTH Project)—the experimental protocol of a prospective randomised controlled trial

“…In particular, previous studies have evidenced that this kind of dance is sustainable and acceptable by independent elderly people, because it is a feasible PA [13]. Benefits were observed in activities of daily living (ADL) performance and quality of life of older adults [15] and, its benefits known, it was successfully applied to patients with different neurological conditions [16,45]. A recent paper evidenced that tango has many favourable therapeutic characteristics, but it is important to check and evaluate the progress and the adverse events during the intervention to prevent side effects as well as to optimize tolerance and adherence [18].…”

Tango Therapy: Current Status and the Next Perspective

“…A recent systematic review and meta-analysis also confirmed balance and gait outcomes in favor of dance interventions for PD over control groups or other interventions [29]. Dance may hold promise as an intervention to improve gait, balance, and mobility in a variety of neurological conditions including stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord index, and Huntington's disease [20]. Dance therapy has been applied according to the FITT Principle.…”

“…The medical effects of dance in health and healing were scientifically reported in 1995 [5]. The medical application of dance therapy was well reviewed in neurologic conditions [20]. Walking, balance and mobility are almost invariably affected by the neurological conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, Huntington's disease and Parkinson's disease [20,21].…”

“…The medical application of dance therapy was well reviewed in neurologic conditions [20]. Walking, balance and mobility are almost invariably affected by the neurological conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, Huntington's disease and Parkinson's disease [20,21]. Gait and balance impairments have a profound impact on an individual's ability to perform activities of daily living and consequently, quality of life [22,23].…”

“…Gait and balance impairments have a profound impact on an individual's ability to perform activities of daily living and consequently, quality of life [22,23]. Clearly, new therapeutic approaches and interventions for balance, mobility, and gait are needed and dance instruction as therapy is a promising intervention that may address this need [20].…”