Using Dance as an intervention technique for people living with Parkinson's disease

“Remarkably effective therapies for movement disorders, is dance.” (Hogan, 2010. Pg 1). There are many different interventions that can be applied to address the different aspects of Parkinson’s disease. Dance however, can be used in conjunction to these interventions and more and more are being seen as an effective addition to traditional intervention strategies. Dance can help to address areas of concern to an individual, living with Parkinson’s disease. (Earhart, 2010).

There are many reasons that dance can benefit a client living with Parkinson’s disease. One area in particular that Parkinson’s clients have difficulty with is ‘freezing’ a term that refers to when a person literally is stuck in place, when trying to initiate movement such as walking. (Browner & Pagan, 2013). The music that accompanies dance can act like an external cue, which is a recommended component for Parkinson’s patient’s functioning, the music cues facilitation of movement. (Earhart, 2010). The music paired with dance can help trigger voluntary movements and can assist in management of movements that are difficult. (Aragon & King, 2010).

Motor and non-motor impairments that are associated with Parkinson’s disease make it difficult to carry out occupations. Decline in cognitive functioning especially reduced executive functioning and impaired attention makes it difficult when trying to complete meaningful occupations. (Aragon & King, 2010). Dance is usually low impact and repetitive when learning steps which enables for easier retention of steps while engaging the mind and body. (Hogan, 2010).  Studies show the importance exercise has on functional independence and improving mobility for neurological disorders, in particular Parkinson’s disease. (Rodrigues-de-Paula & Oliveira Lima, 2013). Using dance for people living with Parkinson’s is such a good way to combine social interaction, improve motor skills and influence quality of life. Dance has the ability to provide strength, flexibility, balance and cardiovascular improvements in a fun and social environment. (Hogan, 2010).

Improvements from participating in dance may branch from increased confidence and enhanced motor control, which can enable the client to lead a more active lifestyle. (Hackney & Earhart, 2010). The reduced participation in occupations that are meaningful for Parkinson’s clients, because of their disease affects their quality of life. Dance can foster interest in increased participation and carry over into other areas of their lives. (Hogan, 2010). It is important that these clients participate in occupations that are meaningful to them and keep up with an active lifestyle to help not only their physical but mental wellbeing. Recent studies show that tango dancing can improve mobility and increase the quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s disease. (Hackney et al, 2007).

There are many benefits when using dance as an alternative intervention for clients who live with Parkinson’s. Benefits can are not limited to, but can include gait and balance improvements, social interaction, engagement of the brain, external cues that help with initiation of movement, increased motivation and cardiovascular improvements, engagement in physical activity and improved quality of life.
References:

Aragon, A., & King, J. (2010). Occupational therapy for people with Parkinson’s: Best practice guidelines. London: College of Occupational therapists.

Browner, N., & Pagan, F. (2013). National Parkinson Foundation. Retrieved from http://www.parkinson.org/Parkinson-s-Disease/PD-101/How-do-you-know-if-you-have-PD-

Hogan, P. (2010). More evidence on the value of dance. Running & Fitnews, 28(1), 9-10.

Hackney ME, Kantorovich S, Levin R, Earhart GM (2007) Effects of tango on functional mobility in Parkinson’s disease: a preliminary study. Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy, 31(4), 173–179.

Earhart, G. M. (2010). Dance as therapy for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. European journal of physical and rehabilitation med. 45 2) 231-238.

 Hackney, M., & Earhart, G. (2010). Effects of dance on balance and gait in severe Parkinson disease: a case study. Disability & Rehabilitation, 32(8), 679-684.

Rodrigues-de-Paula, F., &  Oliveira Lima, L.( 2013). Physical Therapy - Exercise and Parkinson's Disease. In: International Encyclopedia of Rehabilitation.