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•Argentine tango can improve balance in patients with Parkinson's disease.•There was no benefit of tango on motor severity of Parkinson's disease.•Tango has modest benefits upon cognition and fatigue.•Tango classes are highly enjoyable and give overall satisfaction.•The social aspects that emerged from the tango classes have positive effects. To determine effects of Argentine tango on motor and non-motor manifestations of Parkinson's disease. Randomized control trial. Forty patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Movement disorder clinic and dance studio. Two randomized groups: group (N=18) with 24 partnered tango classes, and control self-directed exercise group (N=15). The primary outcome was overall motor severity. Secondary outcomes included other motor measures, balance, cognition, fatigue, apathy, depression and quality of life. On the primary intention-to-treat analysis there was no difference in motor severity between groups MDS-UPDRS-3 (1.6 vs.1.2-point reduction, p=0.85). Patient-rated clinical global impression of change did not differ (p=0.33), however examiner rating improved in favor of tango (p=0.02). Mini-BESTest improved in the tango group compared to controls (0.7±2.2 vs. −2.7±5.9, p=0.032). Among individual items, tango improved in both simple TUG time (−1.3±1.6s vs. 0.1±2.3, p=0.042) and TUG Dual Task score (0.4±0.9 vs. −0.2±0.4, p=0.012), with borderline improvement in walk with pivot turns (0.2±0.5 vs. −0.1±0.5, p=0.066). MoCa (0.4±1.6 vs. −0.6±1.5, p=0.080) and FSS (−3.6±10.5 vs. 2.5±6.2, p=0.057) showed a non-significant trend toward improvement in the tango group. Tango participants found the activity more enjoyable (p<0.001) and felt more “overall” treatment satisfaction (p<0.001). We found no significant differences in other outcomes or adverse events. Argentine tango can improve balance, and functional mobility, and may have modest benefits upon cognition and fatigue in Parkinson's disease. These findings must be confirmed in longer-term trials explicitly powered for cognition and fatigue.

To determine (1) the quality of systematic reviews about dance-based intervention in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) and (2) standard evidence for dance-based intervention efficacy based on the categories of The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) from the World Health Organization's (WHO). The data source included MEDLINE, PUBMED, Embase, Scopus, CENTRAL (Cochrane Library), CINAHL, PEDro, SPORTDiscus, APA PsycNet (APA PsycINFO), LILACS, SciELO, and AMED. Pairs of independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full texts of eligible studies by using the software Covidence. Criteria included: systematic review designs; individuals with PD; dance-based interventions aimed to change critical PD symptoms matched to IFC domains (body functions, activities, and participation). Independent reviewers extracted information regarding the characteristics of all systematic reviews included and appraised quality using A MeaSurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2). Randomized controlled trials and their risk of bias were identified within each review and were used to perform an updated pairwise meta-analysis. Of the 571 manuscripts screened, 55 reviews met the inclusion criteria. The overall confidence in the results of 38 reviews (69%) was rated as 'critically low,' nine (9%) as 'low,' one (2%) as 'moderate,' while seven of 55 reviews (13%) were rated as 'high'. Dance associated with pharmacological usual care is better than pharmacological usual care alone for essential components of ICF, such as motor symptoms severity (body function), depressive symptoms (body function), balance (body function and activity), and functional mobility (activity), but not for gait distance (activity) and quality of life (participation). Dance is also superior to multimodal exercise to improve balance. Clinicians and people with PD can refer to this paper for a summary of high-quality reviews and the overall evidence supporting dance as an adjunct rehabilitation. This umbrella review not only underscores the therapeutic potential of dance but also reinforces the use of arts-based approaches into healthcare practices for people with neurological conditions.

People with Parkinson's disease (PD) need life-long rehabilitative interventions to slow disease progression and reduce impact of the disease on daily life activities. To be sustainable for the individual, activities should have a positive impact on physical, cognitive and mental health, and should be appealing and meaningful. To quantitatively evaluate the health-related effects of a 10-week dance program for patients with PD. A cross-over design with two groups. Group 1 undertook 10 weeks of dance classes; after that, group 2 began their 10 weeks of dance classes. Assessments of both groups at four timepoints (baseline, 10, 20 and 30 weeks) included physical tests and self-reported questionnaires to assess cognition, self-efficacy, well-being, fatigue, and health-related quality of life. The analysis involved comparisons of results after the dance and non-dance periods, for all instruments. The analyses could not show any significant differences between the assessments after the dance period compared to after the no dance period. Despite the lack of quantitative evidence of the positive experiences earlier described from focus groups, the study provided insights into how future research could be organised to better capture the multifaceted benefits. Furthermore, the study provides additional evidence that dance as a health-promoting activity in Parkinson's disease should be viewed in a longer-term perspective.

Background Dance/movement therapy (DMT) is increasingly used as a complementary treatment to address psychological and physical wellbeing. However, it is unknown how it can be leveraged in adult cancer care. This mixed methods program evaluation aimed to assess patient-reported benefits and satisfaction with the virtual DMT in an academic oncology setting. Methods We developed, implemented, and evaluated a 6-week virtual, synchronous DMT program aiming to improve physical health, address mental distress, and foster social connection for cancer patients. We used deidentified program evaluation data to assess impact of DMT on patient-reported outcomes and patients’ satisfaction with the DMT program. Pre- and post-session data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a paired t -test. Qualitative data were captured through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Results from 39 participants (mean age 64.7 ± 9.8), majority female (89.7%) with a history of breast cancer (43.6%), showed high satisfaction (100%) and unanimous program recommendation (100%). Significant improvements were noted in anxiety (− 0.42 ± 0.76, p  = .009), distress (− 0.35 ± 0.80, p  = .036), and sense of joy (0.73 ± 1.18, p  = .004), with a non-significant trend in increased physical activity (0.38 ± 0.98, p  = .057). Thematic findings indicated that DMT participation (1) facilitated engagement in physical activity for improved physical health, (2) fostered creative expression, (3) improved mental state, and (4) helped build social connections and support. Conclusion Our DMT program shows promise as a component of integrative cancer care. The mixed-method evaluation provides insightful information to generate hypotheses for future RCT studies aiming to evaluate the specific effects of DMT on patient experience and outcomes.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease with motor symptoms that are well understood, but non-motor symptoms may be present and appear at different temporal stages of the disease. Physical activity based on dance movements is emerging as a complementary therapeutic approach to a range of PD symptoms as a multidimensional activity that requires rhythmic synchronization and more neuromuscular functions. To evaluate the effects of physical activity based on dance movements on the movement, executive functions, depressive symptoms, quality of life, and severity of PD in individuals diagnosed with PD. 13 individuals with PD (Hoehn & Yahr I-III, MDS-UPDRS 67.62 ± 20.83), underwent physical activity based on dance movements (2x week for 6 months). Participants were assessed at baseline and after 6 months on movement (POMA, TUG and MDS-UPDRS Part III), executive function (FAB), depressive symptoms (MADRS), quality of life (PDQ-39), and severity of PD (MDS-UPDRS TOTAL). Student's t-test was used to compare pre and post-intervention results. We observed a significant improvement in the movement (balance and gait) by the POMA test, p = 0.0207, executive function by the FAB test, p = 0.0074, abstract reasoning and inhibitory control by the FAB, Conceptualization test, p = 0.0062, and Inhibitory Control, p = 0.0064, depressive symptoms assessed by the MADRS test significantly reduced, p = 0.0214, and the quality of life by the PDQ-39 had a significant increase after the intervention, p = 0.0006, showed significant improvements between the pre-and post-intervention periods of physical activity based on dance movements. Physical activity based on dance movements contributed to significant improvements in movement (balance and gait), executive functions, especially in cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control, and the quality of life too. Sensorimotor integration, most cognitive processing and social skills may have contributed to the results. The study was registered in the Brazilian registry of clinical trials: RBR-3bhbrb5.

Loneliness and physical inactivity are issues that affect both young people and older adults. This can have negative health outcomes and well as high costs on health services. Physical activity can positively influence both physical and psychosocial health outcomes, however enjoyment is necessary for adherence. Combining exercise with arts-based activities can improve enjoyment for older adults and young people. Dance has been found to be a safe and enjoyable form of physical activity that can be equally or more effective than conventional exercise options. Intergenerational interventions can improve relationships between generations. The aim of this scoping review was to collate and map the available evidence for intergenerational dance. This scoping review followed the guidance outlined by the Joanna Briggs Institute. A systematic search of nine multidisciplinary databases and four repositories was conducted. Inclusion criteria were intergenerational dance or movement to music programmes. Exclusion criteria included dance movement therapy or groups with less than one generational gap. Data were extracted and summarised using narrative synthesis and research papers were appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. The search identified eleven research studies, seven expert opinion/practice expertise and 13 sources from the grey literature. Dance classes were typically 11-12 weeks long. Genres varied with some programmes including co-creation through choreography. Experiences and social outcomes were the most assessed outcomes, with a lack of studies examining physical outcomes. Participants reported enjoying the programmes stating they felt proud for taking part and looked forward to sessions. The term intergenerational was not defined in any paper. Intergenerational dance is an emerging area of research. Many programmes run in communities but are not researched, therefore several gaps remain. More large-scale trials are needed around intergenerational dance. Definitions and descriptions of dance and intergenerational activity should be considered in future studies to ensure consistency.

Dance classes designed for people with Parkinson’s are very popular and associated not only with increasing individuals’ motor control abilities but also their mood; not least by providing a social network and the enjoyment of the music. However, quantitative evidence of the benefits is inconsistent and often lacks in power. For a better understanding of the contradictory findings between participants’ felt experiences and existing quantitative findings in response to dance classes, we employed a mixed method approach that focussed on the effects of music. Participant experience of the dance class was explored by means of semi-structured interviews and gait changes were measured in a within-subjects design through the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test before and after class, with and without music. We chose the TUG test for its ecological validity, as it is a simple test that resembles movements done in class. We hypothesised that the music and the dance class would have a facilitating effect on the TUG performance. In line with existing research, we found that before class, the gait of 26 participants was significantly improved when accompanied by a soundtrack. However, after class, music did not have a significantly facilitating effect, yet gait without music significantly improved after class compared to before. We suggest that whilst the music acts as an external stimulator for movement before the dance class, after the dance class, participants have an internalised music or rhythm that supports their motor control. Thus, externally played music is of less relevance. The importance of music was further emphasised in the qualitative data alongside social themes. A better understanding of how music and dance affects Parkinson’s symptoms and what aspects make individuals ‘feel better’ will help in the design of future interventions.

Background and Objectives: Stroke units rely on interdisciplinary teams. Professionals with complementary alternative practices may join the team since such approaches are increasingly supporting the stroke recovery process. The aim of this study was to develop a better understanding of how a dance and somatic-informed movement intervention could be utilized in an inpatient setting as an adjunct to post-stroke therapy. We sought to identify (1) what knowledge we could draw on to develop the content and pedagogy for the intervention, (2) what helped/hindered the intervention aimed at functional recovery, as perceived by the practitioner-researchers, and (3) the relationships experienced with the various stakeholders. Materials and Methods: This exploratory qualitative study used the enhanced critical incident technique to collect retrospective self-report data from two practitioner-researchers engaged in delivering the intervention over two months. The data underwent thematic analysis. Patients (n = 6) in a stroke unit were selected within ≤72 h of hospital admission. The intervention was conducted four to six times a week until the vascular neurologist (co-researcher) authorized their transfer to a rehabilitation hospital. Results: The intervention evolved from crafting content and pedagogy at the intersection of different areas of knowledge (dance, somatics, neuroscience, and stroke). It was based on active, assisted, and passive movements. Verbal, tactile, visual, and imaginary inputs used to enhance body awareness were perceived as potentially helping patients recover some range of motion, quality of movements, and voluntary movement control, and fostering calmness and motivation. The intervention was well received by stakeholders. Conclusions: Dance and somatic-informed movement can be a complementary therapy in stroke units, although it requires a delicate juggling of time allocation within the interdisciplinary team. Further studies should be conducted with a larger number of patients and different practitioners. Collaboration between qualitative and quantitative researchers is needed to make a robust case for such interventions.

Background Obesity has become a global health crisis and is in urgent need of effective, sustainable interventions. Although conventional approaches such as dietary modification and aerobic exercise demonstrate efficacy, long-term maintenance of weight loss is still challenging. Dance movement therapy (DMT) is emerging as a promising intervention, combining physical activity with psychological and social engagement to potentially enhance compliance and holistic health outcomes. However, existing studies on DMT for weight management are limited, with inconsistent results. Methods and analysis Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies comparing DMT and standard lifestyle interventions (e.g., diet/exercise counseling) in overweight or obese adults will be included. Literature searches will be conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and Cochrane Library. Two reviewers independently perform the processes of literature retrieval, screening, data extraction, and assessment of risk of bias. Risk of bias in included studies is evaluated using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (ROB 2) for RCTs and the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-1) for non-RCTs. Review Manager (RevMan) was used for data pooling. Subgroup analysis, meta-regression, trial sequential analysis (TSA), and sensitivity analysis are conducted. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval is not required because this study is a secondary analysis of existing data. We will disseminate the findings through peer-reviewed publications. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42024614884 Strengths and limitations of this study • This systematic review and meta-analysis employs a rigorous methodology and strict adherence to inclusion criteria. • The use of ROB 2 and ROBINS-1 ensures a robust evaluation of study quality. • The certainty of evidence may be limited by inconsistent study quality and small sample sizes of enrolled trials.