Evaluating the effects of dance style and training duration in improving balance in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

This study evaluated the effects of dance style and training duration in improving balance in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The data showed that dance-based interventions of more than 12 weeks could effectively improve balance in these patients.

PD is a disorder in which part of the brain is progressively damaged over many years. The disease affects certain brain cells and causes movement symptoms such as muscle rigidity, tremors, and impaired balance. The standard treatment for this disorder is levodopa. However, this therapy is associated with high levels of side effects. Therefore, new treatment regimens are necessary.

Dance has been seen as a possible treatment for improving the symptoms of PD. Dance uses movement to support mental, emotional, and body functions. 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 effectiveness of dance style and training duration in improving balance in patients with PD is still unclear.

This study analyzed 14 other studies and involved 612 patients with PD. Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 (dance group) included 310 patients who received dance-based treatment. Group 2 (control group) included 302 patients who received standard treatment. Dance styles included Argentine tango, Irish set, a waltz-foxtrot combination, mixed methods, mixed ballroom, Turo, Sardinian folk, and dance therapy.

Dance-based intervention significantly improved balance compared to control treatment. Balance was significantly improved in the dance group compared to the control group for interventions of more than 12 weeks.

Interventions with 60- and 90-minute classes produced similar effects in improving balance.

This study concluded that dance-based interventions of more than 12 weeks could effectively improve balance among patients with PD.

The studies analyzed had different follow-up durations. More randomized controlled studies are needed to determine the most beneficial dance styles and session lengths.