Dance Rhythms Improve Motor Symptoms in Individuals with Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Evidence-based practices involving dance modalities found in binary (two-beat rhythm) or quaternary (four-beat rhythm) show that dance positively influences the motor aspects of disease.Aim: This randomized clinical trial aimed to analyze the effect of two dance rhythm (binary and quaternary) on the balance, gait, and mobility in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods: Thirty-one individuals with PD were randomized into the binary group (n = 18) and the quaternary group (n = 13). Both groups participated in different dance rhythms lasting 12 weeks, twice a week, for 45 minutes. Results: The binary group showed a significant difference in balance (p = 0.003), freezing of gait (p = 0.007), as well as in the motor aspects of MDS-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS), with emphasis on the total values with a score change of 3.23. In the quaternary group, significant differences were found in balance (p = 0.021) with a score change of -2.54 and in the motor aspects of the MDS-UPDRS Part III where the total values stood out with a change of 3.54. Discussion: When comparing the possible effects of binary and quaternary rhythms on the motor symptoms of individuals with PD, it was demonstrated that binary rhythm improved balance, freezing gait, and UPDRSIII. As for the quaternary rhythm, the benefits were in balance and the UPDRSIII. Conclusion: The binary and the quaternary rhythm dance protocols positively influenced the motor symptoms of individuals with PD after 12 weeks of intervention.

A non-expensive bidimensional assessment can detect subtle alterations in gait performance in people in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease

“…Item 29, part of section III, recommended to assess motor symptoms severity provide a gait evaluation based on observation. Despite its subjective, this test has been broadly utilized to measure intervention results ( 51 , 52 ). Although have also been used to control disease evolution, being part of the reference for H&Y classification, this test could not identify the differences between the two early stages of PD evolution like the GPI.…”

Parkinson's disease – current treatment

“…Nonetheless, there have been several trials of non-pharmacological interventions such as structured physical therapy programs to improve gait, balance, strength, coordination, and overall functional capacity in PD patients [38]. However, recent trials have also found benefit in nonregimented exercise such as yoga [39], dance rhythms [40], and even Wii-Sports [41]. In particular, one study randomized 95 patients in a 1:1:1 ratio to either biweekly 60-min sessions of Tai-Chi, biweekly 60-min sessions of brisk walking, or no exercise [42].…”

Coping Mechanisms and Self-Care in the Art of Mentality: Movement Therapy as Emotional Mediation

“…Recent research has shown that dancing directly improves mental health by reducing rates of depression, anxiety, and enhancing mood aspects in people of any age (Sivasubramanian et al, 2023). Dance interventions have been found to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in adults compared to groups that did not participate in any type of intervention (Moratelli et al, 2023). Online group dance classes have also been found to support holistic wellbeing and lower anxiety, depression, and loneliness in young people (Finn et al, 2023).…”