Parkinson's disease (PD) affects ability of individuals to perform unconscious learned motor tasks, affects quality of life and has been associated with depression. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of dance therapy on motor performance, quality of life and depression in PD patients, by comparing certain symptoms between a group of subjects with PD who undergo ballroom dancing classes and a control group of subjects with PD. The investigators will assess mental status, severity of PD, quality of life and depression using rating scales. Subjects will be randomized to intervention and control group. Intervention group will participate in dance therapy for 12 weeks and will be examined at 12 and 20 weeks. Control group will be examined at same time intervals. Classes will follow a curriculum designed by Arthur Murray Dance Studio Staff. The investigators do not anticipate significant risk for participants.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
bi-weekly, 12-Week ballroom dance classes
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
Effect of ballroom dancing classes on motor function in patients with Parkinson's disease.
The improvement in participant's motor function will be measured by the UPRS III score. The aim is to detect an 18-20% difference in UPDRS III scores among the two groups.
Time frame: 3 and 5 months
Effect of ballroom dancing classes on depression in patients with Parkinson's disease.
The improvement in participant's depression will be measured by the Hamilton Depression Scale.
Time frame: 3 and 5 months
Effect of ballroom dancing classes on quality of life of patients with Parkinson's disease.
The improvement in participant's quality of life will be measured by the Parkinson's Disease-39 questionnaire PDQ-39 scale.
Time frame: 3 and 5 months
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