Effects of dance for Parkinson's disease on habitual physical activity: a quasi-experimental controlled study

Despite symptomatic therapies for PD, habitual physical activity inevitably declines as the disease progresses, leading to increased sedentary behavior. While dance programs have demonstrated a multitude of benefits including motor, non-motor, and psychological aspects, it has not yet been objectively determined if dance can improve habitual physical activity in people living with PD.

This study explored whether participation in Dance for Parkinson's Disease classes was associated with changes in habitual physical activity in people with PD.

A quasi-experimental controlled efficacy study, with pre and post-testing of two parallel groups (dance versus control).

Thirty-three participants with PD allocated to a dance group (DG; n = 17; age = 65.8 ± 11.7 years) or control group (CG: n = 16; age = 67.0 ± 7.7 years). Participants were cognitively intact (Addenbrooke's score: DG = 93.2 ± 3.6, CG = 92.6 ± 4.3) and in early stage PD (Hoehn & Yahr: DG = 1.6 ± 0.7, CG = 1.5 ± 0.8).

The DG undertook a one-hour Dance for Parkinson's Disease (DfPD®) -based class, twice weekly for 12 weeks (intervention). The CG had treatment as usual. ActivPAL™ accelerometers monitored habitual physical activity for five consecutive days pre-and post-intervention. Sit/lie duration (min), standing duration (min), stepping duration (min), sit/stand movements (count), stand/sit movements (count), daily step count, and energy expenditure (MET-h/day) were measured.

No significant between-group differences were observed for any ActivPAL outcome. However, increases in daily stepping duration and step count demonstrated moderate-to-large effect sizes (d = 0.72 and d = 0.91, respectively).

Participation in a dance for Parkinson's disease program did not significantly alter pre- to post-program habitual physical activity. Larger adequately powered trials are required to determine whether participation in dance programs can influence habitual physical activity in people with Parkinson's disease.