Dance classes improve the clinical outcomes of Parkinson’s disease

This study investigated the effectiveness of dance classes in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Researchers suggested that dance classes improve the symptoms of these patients.

PD is a chronic disease of the brain. It affects brain cells causing symptoms such as tremors. This decreases the ability of walking and speaking. These daily activities are associated with rhythmic timing (repeated pattern of movement or sound) which is not so present in patients with PD.   

Music and dance classes provide the sound and visual cues impaired in PD patients. Prior studies showed improvement in PD symptoms including balance, walking, mood, attention, and memory with music and dance. However, it is still unclear how variations in music and dance might impact PD symptoms.

This study included information about 30 patients with PD. A control group of 19 people without PD that were similar in age and characteristics were also included. Participants with and without PD received dance classes. The main outcomes measured were dance experience, beat recognition, the association between sound and body movements, and PD severity. Patients did the first assessment before therapy and after 4 months of weekly dance classes.

PD symptoms decreased after 4 months of weekly dance classes. Greater improvement was associated with prior dance experience. Prior dance experience improved the association between sound and body movement. 

This study concluded that music and dance classes improve PD symptoms, particularly in patients with previous dance experience.

This study lacked random assignment of therapy and a control group who did not receive dance classes. Results might be incomplete due to a lack of comparison between dance and no dance therapy. Further studies are necessary.