Feasibility of Whole-body Drumming Classes for People With Parkinson's Disease

Feasibility and Effects of Whole-body Drumming Classes on Walking in People With Parkinson's Disease: a Pilot Study

People with Parkinson's disease (PD) experience difficulty with gait, postural instability, and lack of movement coordination and rhythmic timing. Non-motor functions affected by PD include time perception, feelings of apathy, depression, decreased self-efficacy, and decrease self-reported quality of life. There is currently a lack of information on how a therapeutic drumming class that uses whole-body large-amplitude movements to music would impact these motor and non-motor impairments in individuals with PD. The primary purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of a 10-week whole-body drumming class to music specifically selected for its rhythmic structure, and effects on movement rhythm and time perception in individuals with PD. The secondary purpose is to assess the effects of the drumming class on apathy, depression, self-efficacy and health-related quality of life. Participants will be included if they have a diagnosis of PD and are able to move for an hour with rests, either standing or seated. Participants are tested before and after the class series and one month following.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosed with PD
• independent walking short community and household distances with or without assistive device
• able to participate in a 1-hour class once a week for ten weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

• change of Parkinson's medication or deep brain stimulation parameters within 2 weeks prior to or during the study
• inability to grasp 2-inch diameter "drum sticks"
• any conditions with contraindications to lift upper extremities overhead
• any medical restrictions to exercise