Adapted Portuguese folk dance intervention for subacute rehabilitation post-stroke: study protocol

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Movement Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Stroke survivors often experience impaired balance and functional mobility.
• Current rehabilitation strategies may benefit from innovative and engaging therapeutic approaches.
• Adapted folk dance offers a potential avenue for enhancing post-stroke recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of adapted Portuguese folk dance as a rehabilitative activity for stroke survivors.
• To evaluate the impact of the dance intervention on balance and functional mobility.
• To determine the acceptability and safety of the dance program.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods pilot study involving 16 stroke survivors with lower limb paresis.
• Participants engaged in 8 weeks of adapted Portuguese folk dance sessions (3 days/week, 1 hour/day) in addition to usual care.
• Assessments of balance, functional mobility, acceptability, and safety were conducted pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The Portuguese folk dance program demonstrated potential for improving balance outcomes and functional mobility.
• Acceptability was assessed through enrollment, retention, satisfaction, and recommendation.
• Safety was monitored via adverse events, and feasibility was measured by performance in balance and mobility tests.

Conclusions:

• Adapted Portuguese folk dance is a potentially feasible and effective rehabilitative tool for stroke survivors.
• The findings support the integration of dance-based activities into stroke rehabilitation protocols.
• This approach holds implications for aging and public health initiatives, particularly for older adults post-stroke.