Balance, Gait Analysis, Muscular Strength, Range of Motion, Articular, Thermography
Conditions
Keywords
Dance Therapy, Stroke, Postural balance, Gait, Physical Therapy Modalities
Brief summary
Hemiparesis following a stroke is associated with persistent deficits in postural control, balance, and social participation, especially in the chronic phase. Dance therapy, as a multisensory intervention based on movement, music, and body expression, could promote sensorimotor integration and improve postural stability, complementing conventional physiotherapy. The primary objective of this pilot study is to evaluate the effect of a therapeutic dance program on postural control in individuals with chronic hemiparesis. A secondary objective is to analyze changes in functional balance and gait, as well as subjective satisfaction with the therapy. A controlled study with two parallel groups will be conducted. Sixteen participants with chronic hemiparesis will be recruited (n=8 experimental group; n=8 control group). Both groups will receive standard physiotherapy, but the experimental group will also receive an 8-week therapeutic dance program, with one 30-minute session per week to complement their usual therapy. Pre- and post-intervention assessments will be performed. ThThe experimental group is expected to show a significantly greater improvement in posturographic and clinical parameters compared to the control group. The results could support the implementation of dance therapy as a complementary intervention in community neurorehabilitation programs.
Interventions
OTHERDance therapy
The experimental group will participate in an 8-week therapeutic dance program, with one 30-minute session per week, as a complement to their regular physiotherapy. Each session will integrate: • Bilateral and diagonal PNF patterns adapted to the affected side of the body. • Rhythmic movement guided by moderate-tempo music. • Exercises focused on postural symmetry and weight transfer. • Explicit and implicit motor learning strategies. The rhythmic components will be selected to optimize audio-motor synchronization, while the PNF patterns will aim to maximize sensorimotor activation and proximal stability. The intervention will be adaptable and progressive according to the patient's clinical response.
All participants, including those in the control group, will receive standard physiotherapy provided by their primary care center, focused on functional maintenance, mobility, and strengthening, without dance or rhythmic PNF components. They will receive two 40-minute sessions per week, individualized and adapted to their functional status.
Sponsors
University of Salamanca
INSTITUTO DE INVESTIGACION BIOMEDICA DE SALAMANCA (IBSAL)
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 80 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Chronic hemiparesis (≥ 6 months post-stroke). * Ability to maintain independent standing or with minimal assistance. * Clinical stability to perform moderate physical exercise. * Sufficient understanding to follow simple instructions.
Exclusion criteria
* Severe aphasia or other cognitive disorders that limit comprehension. * Behavioral disorders that hinder group participation. * Severe musculoskeletal disorders or concomitant neurological conditions.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Static and dynamic postural control | From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks | The oscillation of the Center of Pressure will be recorded in millimeters during the static position (Romberg test, hold the position with feet together with eyes open and eyes closed for 52 seconds) and walking at your preferred speed. |
| Load distribution during gait | From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks | The percentage (%) of load on each leg will be recorded during walking at your preferred speed. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Satisfaction with the activity | After completing the 8-week intervention | Registration will be done using an ad hoc questionnaire with questions about interest, motivation and general satisfaction with the activity, with Likert-type response items. |
| Adherence to treatment | After completing the 8-week intervention | The percentage of sessions attended will be recorded in relation to the total number of sessions given. |
Countries
Spain
Contacts
CONTACTFatima Perez-Robledo, Dr.
Outcome results
None listed