Just one single dance class can help improve mobility for those living with Parkinson’s
Dance classes help improve mobility for people living with Parkinson’s, a study by Queen’s University Belfast shows.
Researchers from the School of Psychology at Queen’s worked with 19 people living with Parkinson’s to investigate whether taking part in a single dance class helped with movement and wellbeing.
During the study, the researchers compared the dance class with a separate control session where participants watched a lecture about dance. They measured motor and non-motor symptoms before and after both sessions.
Using a standard mobility test called the timed-up-and-go (TUG), the researchers found that the participants performed better after the dance session than after the lecture.
Dr Matthew Rodger, who co-led the research at Queen’s, explains: “Interestingly, we found that after just one single dance class there were improvements in functional mobility. This is how we move independently and safely during activities like walking, reaching and standing up from a chair.
“While both the dance class and the lecture led to some positive changes, such as reduced anxiety and improved cognitive test scores, the dance class really stood out for its unique effect on mobility.”
Dr Rodger adds: “We can now see that a single dance class may offer short-term functional mobility benefits, especially in tasks like the TUG. We hope to do more research on this as the cognitive and mood benefits may not be unique to dance – they could stem from general social engagement or observation of dance.”
The research has been published in PlosOne and was co-authored by Dr Mihalis Doumas from the School of Psychology at Queen’s and Anna Carapellotti.
In the UK, 166,000 people are currently diagnosed with Parkinson’s, which is a complex brain condition that has no cure and gets worse over time. It has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety. By 2050, the number of people with Parkinson’s worldwide is set to reach 25 million.
The Queen’s researchers say that while the gains within the study were small and further research is needed, the study highlights the potential power of creative and movement-based activities in supporting health and well-being for people living with Parkinson’s.
Heather Shannon from Randalstown in Northern Ireland was diagnosed with Parkinson’s three years ago. She did not take part in the Queen’s study but attends regular Movement to Music classes, which are run online and in-person by Parkinson’s UK in Northern Ireland. She says dance has helped to ease her symptoms.
Heather explains: “I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s three years ago and the advice I was given was that exercise would be one of the best ways to help me physically and mentally.
“I simply love dance movements as they are very helpful for my Parkinson’s symptoms. My back has been sore but the dance movements actually help ease the pain.”
Katherine Fletcher, Research Communications Lead at Parkinson’s UK, welcomes the study’s findings. She says: “It’s encouraging to see research highlighting the impact of dance on Parkinson’s. While many people with the condition already find dance to be beneficial, there is still limited evidence explaining exactly how and why it helps.
“This study is a positive step forward and shows dance might be helping mobility, but we need larger and longer-term research to better understand the benefits of dance. With more evidence, we can make dance more accessible and inspire confidence in its potential to help people manage their condition.”
Emma McKeown, Parkinson’s UK Area Development Manager, explains: “Physical activity can be as important as getting the right dose of medication. Dance can support balance, coordination, posture, core strength, gait, as well as offering mental and social benefits.”
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