Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026

Community-based Adapted Tango Dancing for Individuals with Parkinson's Disease and Older Adults
Published on: December 9, 2014
Mood changes following social dance sessions in people with Parkinson's disease
Carine Lewis1, Lucy E Annett2, Sally Davenport2
1University of Hertfordshire, UK c.lewis6@herts.ac.uk.
Abstract:
Dance interventions have physical benefits for the elderly, especially those with Parkinson's disease. This study assessed the psychological benefits of dance. A total of 37 participants, with either Parkinson's disease (n= 22) or age-matched controls (n= 15) completed mood questionnaires before and after a 10-week dance intervention. An overall reduction in total mood disturbance and a specific reduction in anger were observed. In addition, less fatigue was found for those initially scoring higher in depression. This suggests that dance can provide psychological benefits for both people with Parkinson's disease and the elderly, with findings suggesting that this is an avenue to be explored further.
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