ParkiSoDance: Feasibility Assessment of a Forró-Based Dance Program for Persons With Parkinson's Disease

Introduction: Dance has been explored as an intervention for individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD), demonstrating potential motor and mobility benefits. However, gaps remain regarding standardized protocols that consider cultural aspects and adherence. Methods: This study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary clinical outcomes of a forró-based dance program on gait and pain in individuals with PD. A pre-post interventional feasibility study was conducted with 29 individuals with PD (mean age 60.3 ± 6.7 years), of whom 24 completed the 12-week protocol. The program included structured forró dance classes focusing on motor coordination, weight shift, and rhythmic movement. Pain intensity, mobility, and gait (timed up and go [TUG]; freezing of gait questionnaire [FOG]; 6-minute walk test [6MWT]) were assessed before and after the intervention. Feasibility and acceptability were determined as the primary outcomes. Results: Feasibility included a consent rate of 73.91% and a data completion rate of 82.75%. Acceptability was high (adherence: 86%; satisfaction: 98%), with no severe adverse events (9.09% minor events). The cultural familiarity of forró likely contributed to engagement. Preliminary clinical outcome analysis (n = 24) showed pre-to-post mean differences of -3.9 (95% CI [-5.76 to -2.04]) for the FOG score, +69.9 m (95% CI [48.78-91.02]) for the 6MWT, and -2.8 s (95% CI [-5.63 to 0.03]) for the TUG. A reduction in pain intensity was also observed. Conclusion: The forró-based dance protocol was found to be feasible, acceptable, and safe, and provided key parameter estimates for clinical outcomes. Future research should focus on controlled trials with larger samples to evaluate its effectiveness and potential implementation in healthcare systems.