Can Dance Therapy Improve Motor Learning in Parkinson's Disease (PD)?

Can Dance Therapy Improve Motor Learning in Parkinson's Disease?

In order to find the most effective rehabilitative therapies for Parkinsonian patients, the present study is aimed to evaluate whether, in a multidisciplinary intensive rehabilitation treatment, the dance therapy, applied to the motor learning, promote additional benefits.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Stage 2.5-3 according to the Hoehn and Yahr scale (H&Y);
• Stable pharmacological treatment for the last 6 weeks before the enrolment and during the hospitalization;

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any focal brain lesion detected in brain imaging studies (CT or MRI) performed in the previous 12 months;
• Drug-induced dyskinesias;
• Disturbing resting and/or action tremor, corresponding to scores 2-4 in the specific items of UPDRS III;
• Behavioral disturbances (evaluated with Neuropsychiatric Inventory);
• Visual and auditory dysfunctions according to the general clinical evaluation and medical history;
• cognitive decline (MMSE correct score < 24)