Selection Of Studies Data Extraction And Management
We followed the Cochrane methods, as described in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions . A detailed description of our methods is available in Additional File and following is a summary.
Two authors independently screened the titles and/or abstracts for potentially eligible studies, and two authors then independently evaluated the abstract and full texts of the shortlisted articles to determine eligibility. We delineated the study selection process in a PRISMA diagram. Two review authors independently extracted and coded all data from each included study using a data collection form, including design, population, intervention, comparison and outcomes. Disagreements along these steps were resolved via discussion, with the input of a third author if necessary. One review author transferred the data to Review Manager 5.4 software , and a second review author checked the accuracy of data entry.
Mechanisms Of Dance Benefit
Several mechanisms may account for the improvements noted with dance including external cues, which may derive from music or the partner, as well as the specific movements incorporated in the particular form of dance.
External Cues
Specific Patterns of Movement
It is important to design therapeutic exercise programs that target PD related impairments while considering neurological and musculoskeletal relationships 31. While improvements were clearly noted in both dance groups, the effects of Waltz/Foxtrot were not exactly the same as those of Tango. We think that Waltz/Foxtrot may better suit the preferences of some individuals with PD, given socio-cultural differences in musical and dance traditions. Dance variety could increase the effectiveness of a dance intervention by sustaining interest and appealing to diverse populations. Evidence supports waltzing in other patient populations, as patients with congestive heart failure enjoyed a waltzing program more than a cycling/walking program and experienced as much cardiovascular benefit with dance as with cycling 7. Additionally, participants with Alzheimers disease participated in a short term waltzing program and significantly improved in procedural learning 32. However, if limited to a single form of dance, Tango may be preferable for those with PD, as it equaled Waltz/Foxtrot on many measures and had larger effects than Waltz/Foxtrot for TUG as well as forward and backward gait features.
Compliance and Attrition
Dance Therapy For People With Parkinson’s And Dementia
Rx Ballroom Dance provides free virtual ballroom dance group instruction to anyone diagnosed with a neurological or neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and dementia.
During the pandemic, Rx Ballroom Dance has had to move its classes online. The nonprofit provides free ballroom dance group instruction to anyone diagnosed with a neurological or neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and dementia.
“There’s a power behind movement, music and dance that really touches the brain in such a different way,” said Erin Angelo, a professional dancer and Executive Director of Rx Ballroom Dance. “You get the physical benefit, but the social benefit, there’s a lot of power behind it.”
“I’ve never been into dancing. I’ve certainly never been ballroom dancing in my life. It’s not something I would have ever thought of,” said Dave Orlowski, an Rx Ballroom Dance participant who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. “It’s been very good for my balance. It’s been very good for my agility. And it’s been a tremendous amount of fun, which is important.”
“Just because there’s a pandemic, chronic illness, Parkinson’s doesn’t take a day off. It’s still there,” said Lauren Simmons, who is participating virtual Rx Ballroom Dance classes. “So we have to keep working out, no matter what. And if you’re gonna have to keep working out, it might as well be fun.”
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Clinical Relevance Of Dance Effects
Changes noted on the UPDRS, BBS, 6MWT, and gait speed may have functional significance. A conservative 5 point, or 20%, change on the UPDRS was the clinically relevant cutoff for those in stages IIII who had received 6 months of pharmacological treatment 20. Therefore, changes we observed approach clinical meaningfulness, as Control worsened 24% , reaching the aforementioned clinical cutoff, whereas Waltz/Foxtrot improved 16% on the UPDRS. On the BBS, a five point change is the Minimal Detectable change for clinical significance in those with parkinsonism 21, which is nearly matched by our interventions statistically significant 4 point increase on the BBS. An 82 meter change is the MDC of the 6MWT for those with PD an estimate that may be high given an extremely large standard deviation 21. Also, effect sizes of 0.50.6 can be considered clinically substantial change, which correspond to an increase of only 50 m for the 6MWT in elderly with moderate motor impairment 22. Tango and Waltz/Foxtrot achieved this much improvement in 6MWT. Finally, for gait speed, Steffen and Seney propose 0.18 m/s as the MDC for comfortable gait speed for those with PD but suggest qualifying these results according to stage of PD 21. Others consider a change of 0.1 m/s to be clinically substantial which was achieved in backward walking by both dance groups and nearly reached in forward walking by Tango. More research into what qualifies as a meaningful change is necessary 22.
Tango Versus Stretching Or Flexibility Exercises
There were no significant differences between groups in all outcomes estimates under this comparison, including disease severity , balance , Freezing of gait questionnaire score, six-minute walk test, forward velocity and quality of life . The certainty of evidence is low to very low for all outcomes included in this comparison, due to either serious or very serious concerns on the risk-of-bias of the included study, which resulted in a downgrade of one or two levels respectively, and imprecision .
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Music In Partnered Dance
Music is an integral and essential part of partnered dancing that provides a rhythm as well as an emotional context via a complex structure .
Usually, the type of music is specific for the type of dance. The rhythm of the music provides a timeframe, aiding in movement execution similarly as auditory cueing, provided that the patient with PD recognizes the rhythm . An important aspect of music in this context is the groove. The groove has been defined as the property of music that compels the body to move . Salsa music to date has not been investigated for groove, however Samba music was found to contain a high level of groove . The structure of music may aid in synchronization with the rhythm compared to the isochronous beat of a metronome . This is consistent with general functional perspectives of rhythmic music enabling and facilitating entrainment and precise synchronization of movements and may be specifically important for patients with PD because of the problems in sensory-motor timing .
Finally, music provides an emotional context and may temporarily alter mood through activation of specific brain areas such as amygdala, nucleus accumbens, hypothalamus, hippocampus, insula, cingulate cortex, and orbitofrontal cortex . This activation includes the release of several biochemical mediators . These neurophysiological aspects of music may increase therapy compliance for long-term interventions and distract from sensations such as fatigue during exercise .
Benefits Of Dance For People With Pd
In the past couple of decades, more and more research has been done studying how different forms of dance might be helpful in treating PD. In fact, the Dance for PD website lists 38 scientific research studies on this topic. Research shows that dance can be especially beneficial for those with mild to moderate PD.3,4
Dance appears to be very helpful in improving gait and balance in Parkinson’s patients. It also can provide social stimulation and support, which can be helpful in reducing depression and improving quality of life. Plus, dance stimulates cognitive functioning, an area that PD patients often struggle with.
It should also be noted that dance always involves music. This combination of movement to music can be powerful.
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Got Ms Parkinsons Had A Stroke Ballroom Dancing Can Helpreally
Alexander Ng, PhD, associate professor, Program in Exercise Science, Marquette University, Milwaukee. His study, Dancing with MS: Benefits of Ballroom or Recreational Social Dance for Persons with MS, was presented at the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers 2015 Annual Meeting.
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When you have a chronic condition, you may not feel like dancing the night away. But dancing with a partner actually may be the best thing you can do for body and mind. Studies show that partnered dancing offers tremendous benefits to people with Parkinsons disease, Alzheimers and other forms of dementia, and those recovering from a stroke.
Heres a new condition to add to the listmultiple sclerosis . The progressive chronic central nervous system disease, which can alternate between flare-ups and periods of remission, can cause fatigue, muscle weakness and balance problems. It often affects the ability to walk unaided.
What Is Ballroom Dancing
Ballroom is a category of dancing which includes roughly a dozen types dance within it. In general, what unites these dance forms under the ballroom umbrella is that they are performed in a large hall, by several couples who follow similar routines and steps. This genre is defined by its classical overtones, with Waltz arguably being the most famous type of ballroom dance.
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Style Of Dance And Effects On Parkinson’s
The style of dance most prominently researched in people with Parkinson’s is the tango. Tango is thought to target major functional impairments in people with Parkinson’s, such as walking backward, starting and stopping gait, turning, and changing tempo. In a comparison of Argentine tango to American ballroom , both groups had significant improvement in balance, locomotion, and motor control. The benefits were greater in the tango group which also showed significant improvement in freezing of gait. In both a meta-analysis and systematic review, investigation into comparing different forms of dance to determine whether tango really does provide more benefits is recommended.
Below is a list of benefits specific to particular dance styles:
- Irish step dancing significantly improved freezing in people with Parkinson’s, while tango did not significantly improve freezing .
- Turkish Folkloristic dance improved muscle strength and endurance .
- Tango, waltz, and foxtrot improved scores in the 6 Minute Walk Test.
- Balance improvement is consistent in the literature, regardless of dance type.
Dancing Helps People With Parkinson’s Disease
Could daily tango classes help people with Parkinsons Disease? A recent article, posted on BioRxiv, shows that in a small group of people, these daily lessons improved their motor symptoms. This paper is not yet peer-reviewed, but the positive effects of dancing for people with Parkinsons Disease have been well-studied by many other researchers as well.
Heather MacTavish, left, with Parkinson’s patient Margaret Moylan, 61, right, and volunteers Jocelyn… Thomas, second right, and Charlie Kisch, leads a dance exercise at the World Parkinson’s Conference, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2006, in Washington. Thomas’ mother had Parkinson’s disease.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Parkinsons Disease affects between seven and ten million people worldwide. In this condition, a gradual breakdown of certain cells in the brain causes a lowering of the normal levels of dopamine. The characteristic tremors and slow movement seen in people with Parkinsons Disease are a direct effect of these lower levels of dopamine, and one of the established and successful forms of treatment is the drug L-DOPA, which helps address the dopamine imbalance. But there are other forms of therapy available as well, and one of them is dance.
As a form of movement therapy, dance addresses several of the problems that come with Parkinsons Disease. It provides regular social interaction for people who have this condition, has a positive effect on their mental well-being, and it improves their movement and balance.
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Virtual Ballroom Dancing Offers Therapy For People With Parkinson’s And Dementia During Pandemic
Ballroom dancing is helping those with neurological or neurodegenerative diseases.
Rx Ballroom Dance provides free ballroom dance group instruction to anyone diagnosed with a neurological or neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimers, Parkinson’s and dementia.
LOS ANGELES — Rx Ballroom Dance provides free ballroom dance group instruction to anyone diagnosed with a neurological or neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimers, Parkinson’s and dementia. During the pandemic, the non-profit organization continues to provide group dance lessons online.
“There’s a power behind movement, music and dance that really touches the brain in such a different way,” said Erin Angelo, a professional dancer and Executive Director of Rx Ballroom Dance. “You get the physical benefit, but the social benefit, there’s a lot of power behind it.”
“I’ve never been into dancing. I’ve certainly never been ballroom dancing in my life. It’s not something I would have ever thought of,” said Dave Orlowski, an Rx Ballroom Dance participant who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. “It’s been very good for my balance. It’s been very good for my agility. And it’s been a tremendous amount of fun, which is important.”
Benefits Of Exercise For People With Pd
Exercise is good for all of us, whether we’re perfectly healthy, at risk for certain health issues or already suffering from a chronic illness. But for people with PD, exercise can be especially beneficial. In fact, the Parkinson’s Foundation states that exercise is “a vital component to maintaining balance, mobility and daily living activities, along with a potential neuroprotective effect.”
Here are a few specific benefits of exercise for people who have Parkinson’s disease:
- Reduced motor symptoms
- Less gait disturbances
Exercise can also help PD patients be more active participants in their care. That can help alleviate some of the non-motor symptoms and improve quality of life overall.1
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Dance For Parkinsons Disease Versus Tango
There were no significant differences between groups in all outcomes estimates under this comparison, including disease severity , Timed Up and Go Test, six-minute walk test, forward velocity and quality of life . The certainty of evidence is low for all outcomes included in this comparison, due to serious concerns on the risk-of-bias of the included study and imprecision .
Featuring: Dance For Pd Certified Teacher Lucy Bowen Mccauley
Lucy Bowen McCauley is the Artistic Director, choreographer, and creative energy behind Bowen McCauley Dance Company . Since founding the company in 1996, she has created over 100 works ranging from lyrical ballets to highly physical contemporary pieces set to rock music. Her choreography offers an unconventional array of genres and blends balletic lines, quirky gestures, and modern dances earthiness. Her work explores the interplay between music, dance, and drama. Washingtonian Magazine named her among those who have helped transform Washington into one of the nations liveliest centers in performing arts.
A dancer since childhood, Lucys early training at the Jordan School of Music & Dance in Indianapolis, and the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Traverse City, Michigan, provided her with a profound appreciation for both music and musicians that is so striking in her work. At age 18, she accepted a scholarship to the Joffrey School in New York City where she performed with the Joffrey Concert Group.
Lucy is an active member of Dance/USA and just recently appointed the Inaugural Chair of the National Leadership Council for Dance. Past Board service includes the Arlington Chamber of Commerce and Arlington Economic Dev. Commission.
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What Type Of Dance Is Best For Pd
As a fitness instructor, my answer is always going to be that the best type of dance for PD is the type that you will actually practice consistently. It won’t benefit you if you don’t do it. Most of the studies mentioned above found that the benefits of dance for PD patients came from doing it regularly over a period of weeks.
Every person with Parkinson’s is different. Not all PD sufferers have the same exact set of symptoms, nor will they respond identically to a certain form of dance. Here are a few types of dance that have been shown to have specific value for people with PD.
- Tango. One small research study suggested that tango might be a strategy for improving functional mobility deficits. Tango can involve learning specific ways of moving that might improve gait and balance.5
- Dance for PD. These are specific classes taught by professional dancers. These classes include modern dance, ballet, tap, folk and social dancing. Emphasis is on experiencing “the joys and benefits of dance while creatively addressing symptom-specific concerns related to balance, cognition, motor skill, depression and physical confidence.”
- Zumba Gold.Zumba is a dance fitness program that combines these elements of fitness: cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility, choreographed to Latin and world music. The Gold version of Zumba is a lower-intensity, low impact version that emphasizes balance and coordination, along with social interacton.
Get On Up And Be Happy
I decided to try it out myself. The class was highly engaging, and had participants with different stages of the disease. I was able to follow along with Sistarelli or watch other participants to see examples of different modifications. Full classes are available online.
Dancing has physical, psychological, and social benefits, especially for people with Parkinsons disease. I know that when I am dancing I cant help but smile and be happy.
Are you having one of those days in which your body wants to move but you dont? Maybe go with the flow, and go along for the ride your body is determined to take you on. Get up and dance along!
I like to move it, move it. I like to move it, move it. I like to move it!
Note: Parkinsons News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinsons News Today or its parent company, BioNews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinsons disease.
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