Shall We Dance: A Parkinson’s Dance-Based Program

This poster presents the implementation of a community-based dance program for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Dance interventions for individuals with PD are shown to be superior to exercise for improving balance and mobility5,6,7 thus, effectively addressing both motor as well non-motor symptoms such as depression, fear, anxiety, and declined self-efficacy.8,9,10 Further positive effects include improved flexibility and coordination7,11 and forced-use of the senses of sight, sound, and touch to assist with movement and balance.12 The use of choreography further allows for the rehearsal of movement sequences, new motor skill learning, and improved cognitive functions.13 Such improvements have been shown to have an overall positive effect on decreasing fall risk and on improving outcome measures such as the Berg Balance Scale and 6-Minute Walk Test.7 Lastly, participants have found dance-based programs to be more enjoyable than traditional therapy intervention; promoting long-term compliance, which research has shown may slow the progression of disability in PD.https://soar.usa.edu/flsafall2018/1011/thumbnail.jp