Objective: Evaluate the effects of a 16-week a specific dance training program on motor function and well-being in patients with Parkinson Disease (PD).
Background: Dance is an emerging therapeutic approach for patients with PD which shows promising effects on patients’ motor functions.
Method: Patients were allocated either to the experimental group or to the control group (no intervention). In the experimental group, patients practiced dance once a week for a total of 16 sessions. Dance sessions consisted of a choreography with the aim of performing a dance performance at the end of the 16-week dance program. At baseline and after 16 weeks, motor functions, patients’ feeling of happiness and cognitive functions were collected. Differences between the two groups were calculated for each tested measure.
Results: 8 patients in the experimental group and 6 in the control group completed the study. A significant difference between the two groups was found for the 10-meter test as well as for the feeling of happiness. No differences were found for the other outcomes.
Conclusion: Weekly sessions of dance improve motors capacities and the feeling of happiness in patients with PD. The motivational aspect of learning a choreography and presenting a dance performance may have induced additional benefits of the training program.
References: NA
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
O. Bouquiaux, A. Thibaut, C. Beaudart, G. Dorban. Dance training and performance in patients with Parkinson disease: effects on motor functions and patients’ well-being. [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2021; 36 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/dance-training-and-performance-in-patients-with-parkinson-disease-effects-on-motor-functions-and-patients-well-being/. Accessed June 15, 2025.« Back to MDS Virtual Congress 2021
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/dance-training-and-performance-in-patients-with-parkinson-disease-effects-on-motor-functions-and-patients-well-being/