Impact of Dance Therapy on Parkinson's Disease

Impact of Dance Therapy on Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) affects ability of individuals to perform unconscious learned motor tasks, affects quality of life and has been associated with depression. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of dance therapy on motor performance, quality of life and depression in PD patients, by comparing certain symptoms between a group of subjects with PD who undergo ballroom dancing classes and a control group of subjects with PD. The investigators will assess mental status, severity of PD, quality of life and depression using rating scales. Subjects will be randomized to intervention and control group. Intervention group will participate in dance therapy for 12 weeks and will be examined at 12 and 20 weeks. Control group will be examined at same time intervals. Classes will follow a curriculum designed by Arthur Murray Dance Studio Staff. The investigators do not anticipate significant risk for participants.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years and older, both males and females, all races and all ethnicities
• Idiopathic Parkinson's disease diagnosed using United Kingdom Parkinson's Disease Society brain bank diagnostic criteria
• Mild to moderate disease severity (Stage 2 to 3 on the Modified Hoehn and Yahr scale)
• Stable medication regimen for a minimum of 1 month before testing
• Ability to ambulate independently without using a walking aid
• Ability to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior enrollment in a dancing class during the last 6 months
• Presence of another neurological or medical disorder likely to affect gait or causing frequent falls (rheumatologic/orthopedic disease, stroke, myelopathy, severe neuropathy)
• Significant cognitive decline (MMSE ≤ 24)
• Visual deficit
• Hearing deficit that impairs music perception
• Psychotic symptoms
• Symptomatic heart disease
• Depression associated with suicidal ideation