Can dance improve motor symptoms of patients with Parkinson’s disease?

This study investigated the effects of dance on treating the symptoms of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Researchers suggested that dance might improve the symptoms of these patients.

Parkinson disease is a chronic disease that affects mainly older populations. This disease affects the brain cells causing symptoms such as muscle rigidity, tremors, and impaired body movements and balance. It can also affect reasoning and mood. The standard treatment for the symptoms of these patients is levodopa. However, long-term use is associated with high rates of side effects.

Dance has been seen as a possible treatment for symptoms of PD. Dance uses movement to support mental, emotional and body function. It is a type of exercise that can improve muscle function and strength. Prior studies showed that dance is associated with better muscle, balance, and gait (walking) outcomes for these patients. However, the effect of dance in dual tasking (perform two tasks at the same time) is still not clear.

This study reviewed 27 other studies that included overall 586 patients with PD. Of these, 403 were assigned to the dance group and 183 received standard treatment.

Gait speed and dual tasking improved in the dance group when compared to the standard group. Overall reasoning was also improved by the dance intervention.

There was limited information about the most appropriate dance music, intensity, and duration of dance sessions. The most commonly used type of dance in the studies analyzed was Argentinian Tango. Dance classes lasted for 60-90 minutes, every 2-5 times a week. 

This study concluded that dance improves gait, muscle function and dual tasking in patients with Parkinson's disease.