A new study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research has found that regular participation in dance classes can help alleviate depression in people with Parkinson's disease. Photo: © Depositphotos.

Dance Shows Effectiveness Against Parkinson’s Disease

A study led by researchers at York University, Canada, demonstrated that dance can be beneficial in halting the cognitive decline associated with Parkinson’s disease.

“The classic progression of Parkinson’s disease is that cognition worsens, as do motor symptoms, and some people already have significant cognitive impairment at the time of diagnosis.” Said Associate Professor Joseph DeSouza of the College of Health, co-author of the research.

“Therefore, the finding that no member of the dance group experienced further cognitive decline over six years seems quite significant to us,” he stated.

Moreover the study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, analyzed 43 participants with Parkinson’s disease who took part in the Sharing Dance Parkinson’s programs of the National Ballet of Canada and Trinity St. Paul’s Church’s Dance for Parkinson’s Disease. And a control group of 28 people with the disease who did not engage in any physical activity.

Also the dance classes began with a seated warm-up. Followed by barre exercises, and the sessions ended with floor work. One group was also taught a specific choreography in preparation for an upcoming performance.

Futhermore the researchers found that the cognitive scores of the dance group had improved compared to the control group. Where no change or a slight decline was observed.

According to the study’s lead author, Simran Rooprai, a second-year interdisciplinary master’s student at York University, the research demonstrates that dance could help preserve, or even improve, cognitive ability in people with Parkinson’s disease.

“Dance engages many parts of the brain. When you dance, you listen to music, learn new steps, remember different sequences, and interact with other dancers. Which allows you to be aware of your surroundings. Dance is physical, mental, and social all at once,” the researcher stated.

With information from Prensa Latina

Radio Angulo
Latest posts by Radio Angulo (see all)