Effects of dance on motor functions, cognitive functions, and mental symptoms of Parkinson's disease: A quasi-randomized pilot trial

• Dance was effective in improving motor functions of walking and balance of Parkinson's disease (PD).
• Dance also improved cognitive function (frontal lobe function, motor imagery) of PD.
• Dance was effective in improving symptoms of depression and apathy of PD.
• Compared to standard PD exercise, dance improved mental and general symptoms of PD.

SummaryObjectiveTo examine the effectiveness of dance on motor functions, cognitive functions, and mental symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD).DesignThis study employed a quasi-randomised, between-group design.SettingDance, PD exercise, and all assessments were performed in community halls in different regions of Japan.ParticipantsForty-six mild-moderate PD patients participated.InterventionSix PD patient associations that agreed to participate in the study were randomly assigned to a dance group, PD exercise group, or non-intervention group. The dance and PD exercise groups performed one 60-min session per week for 12 weeks. Control group patients continued with their normal lives. All groups were assessed before and after the intervention.Main outcome measuresWe used the Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUG) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) to assess motor function, the Frontal Assessment Battery at bedside (FAB) and Mental Rotation Task (MRT) to assess cognitive function, and the Apathy Scale (AS) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) to assess mental symptoms of PD. The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) was used for general assessment of PD.ResultsWhen comparing results before and after intervention, the dance group showed a large effect in TUG time (ES = 0.65, p = 0.006), TUG step number (ES = 0.66, p = 0.005), BBS (ES = 0.75, p = 0.001), FAB (ES = 0.77, p = 0.001), MRT response time (ES = 0.79, p < 0.001), AS (ES = 0.78, p < 0.001), SDS (ES = 0.66, p = 0.006) and UPDRS (ES = 0.88, p < 0.001).ConclusionsDance was effective in improving motor function, cognitive function, and mental symptoms in PD patients. General symptoms in PD also improved. Dance is an effective method for rehabilitation in PD patients.