Dance for the Improvement of Balance and Gait After Stroke

Dance for the Improvement of Balance and Gait After Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Stroke can drastically impact the ability to walk and keep your balance. In addition people with chronic stroke feel social isolated, become less satisfied with their walking and lose confidence in their ability to move without falling.

Ned new treatments are needed for walking and balance. Dancing is a fun, social activity that has similar benefits to traditional exercise. Another benefit of dancing is the use of music, which improves mood, increases motivation and can even improve motor performance. Finally, moving in synchrony with other people during dancing can make people feel connected. We believe that dance classes can benefit people with stroke, but few studies have been done.

The objective of our project is to conduct a randomized controlled trial to test whether dance can improve balance and walking for people with chronic stroke. The investigators are also interested in whether dancing improves people's confidence in their ability to do activities without losing their balance (i.e. balance confidence), decreases their feelings of isolation and increases their quality of life.

This study is a randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of an adapted dance program for people with chronic stroke. Participants with stroke living in the community will be randomly assigned to either the dance group or the control group. Participants will attend classes 2 times a week for 12 weeks. The primary outcomes are change in balance balance (measured with the Mini BESTest) and change in gait speed. Participants will be assessed before and after the 12 week program.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. > 6 months post stroke
2. Ability to transfer sit to stand and stand to sit with minimal use of arm rests
3. Ability to stand without physical support from an aid or another person for 30 seconds
4. Ability to walk 10m without physical assistance from a walking device, but with standby assistance from another person if needed
5. Ability to follow 2-3 step instructions with minimal prompting from another person
6. Have received clearance from their physician to participate in exercise.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Severe hearing loss
2. Pre-existing conditions that significantly impact gait and balance (e.g. osteoarthritis)
3. Other neurological conditions that impact gait and balance (e.g. PD).
4. Have participated in a dance class within the past 12 months