Research Report
Population: Adult
Amy W Chan, PT, NCS, PT Clinical Specialist, Cleveland Clinic chana@ccf.org
Kathleen Szirony, PT, DPT, Rehab Manager, Cleveland Clinic szironk@ccf.org
Lauren Skocaj, PT, DPT, PT, MetroHealth laurenskocaj@gmail.com
Jessica Ryan, PT, DPT, PT, Judson Park Manor jesskryan@yahoo.com
Keywords: Prevention
Purpose: Current research supports the use of dancing to improve functional ability and music to improve quality of gait in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). There have not been any studies that focus on the use of modern/ interpretive dancing (MID) and drumming. MID is a flexible, improvisational form of dancing that can incorporate multi-directional movements and rhythmic variations. The aim of this pilot study is to investigate the benefits of a 12-week community based dancing and drumming program in individuals with PD at Hoehn & Yahr (H&Y) stages I-II. We hypothesize that a long-term MID and drumming program will be beneficial to individuals with PD who have completed a bout of active physical therapy to sustain and improve functional mobility, exercise adherence and quality of life.
Number of Subjects: 10
Methods: Individuals with PD were randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. A cross-over study design was utilized. The experimental group participated in a 12 week dancing and drumming program while the control group continued their regular exercise routine. The groups switched over at the end of 12 weeks. Sessions were led by physical therapists with gradual progression of complexity and specificity of the routines. Data collection was conducted by a blinded evaluator at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. Various outcome measurements were used to collect data on functional outcome, quality of life, and individual’s satisfaction with socialization and engagement in physical activity. All responses were analyzed using the methods of repeated measures mixed models with SAS version 9.3. Comparisons were also made based on age, disease stages and class attendance.
Results: Analysis of the data indicated considerable variability with a high standard of deviation resulting in no statistical significance based on p-values: PDQ-39 (P = .9), ABC’s (P = .61), UPDRS Motor (P = .31), Five time sit to stand (P = .32), TUG (P = .38), 10 Meter Walk (P = .76), 9 Hole Peg Test (P = .06), Happiness Measure (P = .72) and Self-Reported Fall Inventory (P = .64). Class attendance is significantly correlated with stigma (P = .018) and happiness (P = .02). H & Y stages significantly impact the p-value of the following measures: TUG (P = .03), 10 Meter Walk (P = .01), Average Step Length (P = .01) and Average Stride Length (P = .01).
Conclusions: No statistical significance was achieved in the data analysis to confirm or dispute the hypothesis. There are several positive trends when comparing the means at different time intervals. An example of this is the UDPRS Motor Score: baseline 32.41, post intervention 29.50 and follow-up 30.52. Variability in the data may be due to a small sample size. Subjects reported higher motivation during exercise sessions compared to home practice.
Significant correlation exits between class attendance and happiness. These trends indicate a potential positive impact on exercise adherence and quality of life in individuals with PD that participated in this study.
Clinical Relevance: The literature indicates that exercise is vital for people with PD. This should begin at diagnosis and sustained throughout their lives. Many barriers exist when looking at adherence to exercise programs. Community based wellness programs such as Dancing and Drumming may increase exercise adherence and quality of life. Future care delivery models with a focus on bouts of intensive PD specific physical therapy in collaboration with a community wellness program will improve adherence to lifelong exercise program. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required to explore this type of practice model.
Citation:
Chan, Amy W, PT, NCS; Szirony, Kathleen B, PT, DPT; Skocaj, Lauren , PT, DPT; Ryan, Jessica , PT, DPT. Dancing and Drumming with Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease: A Community Based Program.. Poster Presentation. IV STEP Conference, American Physical Therapy Association, Columbus, OH, July 17, 2016. Online. https://u.osu.edu/ivstep/poster/abstracts/016_chan-et-al/