The Impact of Dance-Based Physical Activity on Sensorimotor and Psychological Function in Parkinson's Disease: A...

Background and Objectives: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a wide range of motor and non-motor symptoms that significantly compromise daily functionality, psychophysical wellbeing, and quality of life. Currently, a number of pharmacological and surgical treatments can reduce the clinical severity of motor impairments, but they are limited or poorly tolerated for non-motor symptoms, thus highlighting the need for non-medical complementary approaches. In this context, dance-based interventions have emerged as promising and enjoyable integrative strategies to globally and safely manage such multidimensional complex challenges. This narrative review aims to synthesize the current evidence of the effectiveness of dance-based interventions to improve psychophysical function and quality of life in individuals affected by PD, also providing an updated insight into the feature-related benefits of different dance styles. Methods: A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane was conducted, and 66 original studies investigating dance-based integrative interventions to enhance physical, cognitive, and socioemotional outcomes in this target population were selected. Results: Across different styles, the reviewed literature suggests that dance can positively impact on motor symptoms, neuroplasticity, and psychosocial outcomes through rhythmic cueing, motor-cognitive integration, and expressive and social engagement. Furthermore, dance offers a non-medicalized enjoyable context able to foster motivation and practice adherence. Conclusions: Dance-based interventions represent a promising complementary approach in the management of PD, with the potential to enhance both physical functioning and overall quality of life. Further rigorous, longitudinal and comparative studies are needed to clarify dose-response relationship, style-specific effects, and long-term benefits.