None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The goal of this project is to conduct a randomised pilot trial to compare the feasibility, safety and outcomes of a community-based therapeutic dancing program (ParkinDance) in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). It is hypothesised that people with PD participating in dancing classes twice per week for 12 consecutive weeks will have better outcomes compared to those participating once per week for 12 consecutive weeks. This research will provide objective evidence on whether people with PD need to do dancing classes once or twice per week to get significant improvements in movement, well-being and social participation. Although movement disorders, weakness and falls are common, physical activity levels are low and motivation to exercise is reduced. ParkinDance program gives people another choice about modes of exercise and also uses carefully designed dance exercises as a therapeutic method of physical activity. This project is conducted in partnership with Parkinson’s Victoria.
Interventions
A multi-site trial of up to 80 people with Parkinson’s disease will be conducted in Melbourne and regional Victoria. The participants will be randomly allocated to dance therapy classes that are delivered either twice per week for 12 weeks (group A) or once per week for 12 weeks (group B). Group A, which receives dancing classes twice per week is the intervention group and Group B that receives dance classes once per week is the control group.
The dancing classes will be led by experienced dan
A multi-site trial of up to 80 people with Parkinson’s disease will be conducted in Melbourne and regional Victoria. The participants will be randomly allocated to dance therapy classes that are delivered either twice per week for 12 weeks (group A) or once per week for 12 weeks (group B). Group A, which receives dancing classes twice per week is the intervention group and Group B that receives dance classes once per week is the control group. The dancing classes will be led by experienced dancing teachers who are trained to understand Parkinson’s disability and safety. The classes will emphasize movement, strength, flexibility and balance. Dance Classes: The group dancing to music sessions will start with warm-up activities to music, such as arm movements, leg movements, trunk movements, head movements, stretching and toe-tapping while sitting. The participants will then be invited to do various simple dance steps and movements in sitting or standing or travelling across the room or dancing in time to a range of rhythmic music pieces and drumbeats, which will be tailored to participant abilities. They will then do a cool down, of gentle movements to music, breathing and relaxation. A number of rest periods will be included in the sessions, according to participant needs, and each session will last for approximately 45 to 60 minutes. The dancing classes for all participants will be conducted in a local dance studio (health and fitness facility).
Sponsors
La Trobe University
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Caregiver, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
1. Adult, older than 18 years 2. Diagnosed as having Parkinson's disease 3. Safe to participate in dancing exercises 4. Willingness to participate in community dancing classes for 3 months
Exclusion criteria
1. Cognitive impairment as indicated by a Short Test of Mental Status score of less than 24/30 2. Unable to walk 10 metres independently 3. Delirium or Dementia 4. Hoehn & Yahr stages 4 or 5
Outcome results
None listed