Dance Program for Cerebral Palsy

Overseen By Angela Shierk, PhD

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children

Disqualifiers: Uncontrolled epilepsy, Severe behavioral problems, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 24

20 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Adapted Dance Program, Adaptive Dance Program, Action-Observation Dance Program for cerebral palsy?

Research shows that dance programs can improve motor skills, social interaction, and body image in people with cerebral palsy. Studies found that participants experienced better movement, increased enjoyment, and perceived therapeutic benefits from dance activities. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the dance program safe for people with cerebral palsy or other conditions?

The dance program appears to be safe for people with cerebral palsy and Parkinson's disease, as studies reported no injuries or adverse events during participation. ^{3 6 7 8 9}

How is the Adapted Dance Program treatment different from other treatments for cerebral palsy?

The Adapted Dance Program is unique because it combines physical movement with creative expression, offering both motor and social benefits for people with cerebral palsy. Unlike traditional therapies, it focuses on improving balance, gait, and body image through dance, which can be more engaging and enjoyable for participants. ^{2 3 4 10 11}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this prospective cohort study is to learn about the impact of an adapted dance program in youth with cerebral palsy. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Are there clinically significant benefits for children with cerebral palsy who participate in an Adaptive Dance Program? 2. Is it feasible to implement an adaptive dance program using action-observation principles for children diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP)? Participants will complete a pre-dance program assessment, participate in a 10-week dance program (20 hours), and complete a post-dance program assessment.

Research Team

Michelle Christie, MD

Principal Investigator

Scottish Rite for Children

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for young people aged 4-17 with cerebral palsy who can follow instructions in English and are able to move without restrictions from recent medical procedures. They should be fairly independent in their movements but may have some difficulties.

Inclusion Criteria

Able to follow directions in English

I have no movement restrictions after a medical procedure.

I have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

Exclusion Criteria

I am unable to follow the study's required assessments.

Has severe behavioral problems

I have epilepsy that is not well-controlled.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Pre-dance Program Assessment

Participants complete assessments to establish baseline measures before starting the dance program

2 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Dance Program

Participants engage in a 10-week adapted dance program, focusing on balance, postural control, and directional movements

10 weeks

20 visits (in-person)

Post-dance Program Assessment

Participants complete assessments to evaluate the impact of the dance program

2 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for any long-term benefits or changes following the dance program

4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Adapted Dance Program

Trial Overview The study is testing an adapted dance program designed for children with cerebral palsy, assessing its benefits and the practicality of implementing it. Participants will be evaluated before and after a 10-week course involving 20 hours of dancing.

Participant Groups

Group I: Dance Program Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

10-week adapted dance program (20 hours)

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children

Lead Sponsor

Trials

23

Recruited

9,000+

Findings from Research

In a study involving 26 young subjects with cerebral palsy, dance therapy significantly improved various aspects of functionality, including self-care, mobility, and communication, compared to kinesiotherapy.

The dance intervention also led to notable enhancements in psychosocial adjustments and cognitive function, suggesting that dance can positively influence both physical and emotional well-being in young individuals with cerebral palsy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dance Improves Functionality and Psychosocial Adjustment in Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Teixeira-Machado, L., Azevedo-Santos, I., DeSantana, JM.[2022]

A pilot study involving 16 children with cerebral palsy showed that a classical ballet program significantly increased enjoyment and interest in further participation, indicating its potential as a therapeutic activity.

Parents and therapists also reported strong perceived benefits from the program, suggesting it could serve as a valuable addition to traditional rehabilitation methods for children with CP.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dance program for physical rehabilitation and participation in children with cerebral palsy. López-Ortiz, C., Gladden, K., Deon, L., et al.[2022]

Dance practice shows potential benefits for individuals with cerebral palsy, impacting both motor and social dimensions, based on a review of seven studies involving 57 participants (45 children and 12 adults).

While the evidence for the effectiveness of dance in improving these dimensions is currently weak, it suggests that dance could be a valuable therapeutic activity for enhancing the quality of life in people with cerebral palsy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Is there evidence of benefits associated with dancing in children and adults with cerebral palsy? A scoping review. Cherriere, C., Robert, M., Fung, K., et al.[2021]

Creative dance-based exercise is a feasible and effective rehabilitation intervention for adolescents with cerebral palsy, showing significant improvements in gross motor function and gait performance after 12 weeks of classes.

Participants experienced enhanced body image and satisfaction with the program, indicating that creative dance not only aids physical rehabilitation but also positively impacts psychological well-being.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of creative dance-based exercise on gait performance in adolescents with cerebral palsy. Joung, HJ., Park, J., Ahn, J., et al.[2020]

A pilot study involving 12 children with cerebral palsy showed that a targeted dance class based on classical ballet principles significantly improved balance, as measured by the Pediatric Balance Scale, after 4 weeks of classes.

While the dance intervention did not show significant improvements in upper extremity control, it suggests that incorporating artistic activities like ballet could enhance traditional physical therapy for rehabilitation in children with cerebral palsy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pilot study of a targeted dance class for physical rehabilitation in children with cerebral palsy. López-Ortiz, C., Egan, T., Gaebler-Spira, DJ.[2022]

The 'ParkinDANCE Online' program, involving 12 participants with Parkinson's disease, demonstrated strong feasibility and safety, with no dropouts or adverse events reported during the 6-week online dance classes.

The program was well-received, with 100% attendance and positive feedback from both participants and dance instructors, indicating that online dancing can be an engaging and effective physical activity for individuals with early Parkinson's disease.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dancing for Parkinson's Disease Online: Clinical Trial Process Evaluation. Morris, ME., McConvey, V., Wittwer, JE., et al.[2023]

The CAN-flip gymnastics program was found to be a feasible and safe activity for children with cerebral palsy, as all participants completed the program without injury and showed improvements in specific gymnastics skills.

After participating in the 6-week program, 3 out of 5 children expressed interest in continuing with regular gymnastics classes, indicating the program's potential to promote inclusion and ongoing physical activity for children with CP.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

CAN-flip: A Pilot Gymnastics Program for Children With Cerebral Palsy. Cook, O., Frost, G., Twose, D., et al.[2015]

The study documented a systematic methodology for adapting a dance intervention in a clinical setting, involving 35 participants including rehabilitation therapists, patients, and their relatives, which can serve as a model for other therapeutic interventions.

The adaptation process was iterative and collaborative, focusing on tailoring dance content to meet participants' needs, emphasizing the importance of integrating scientific knowledge and the experiences of all stakeholders involved.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adapting Dance to Complex Clinical Contexts: A Methodology Model. Beaudry, L., Rochette, A., Fortin, S.[2023]

There is a significant lack of research and focus on dance medicine for dancers with disabilities, blindness/low vision, and deafness/hard of hearing, despite the growing number of dance programs for these individuals.

The article provides guidance on injury patterns, prevention, and wellness strategies for dancers with disabilities by drawing on limited existing research and insights from para/adaptive sports medicine.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

New Directions in Dance Medicine: Dancers with Disabilities, Blindness/Low Vision, and/or Deafness/Hard of Hearing. Dubon, M., Siegel, R., Smith, J., et al.[2021]

A systematic review of 70 studies found that dance-based interventions can effectively rehabilitate patients with various pathologies, including neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular conditions, as well as healthy individuals.

Dance therapy not only improves physical health but also enhances mental and social skills, making it a versatile and innovative rehabilitation strategy for diverse populations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Characterization of dance-based protocols used in rehabilitation - A systematic review. Hincapié-Sánchez, MF., Buriticá-Marín, ED., Ordoñez-Mora, LT.[2022]

A 10-week dance intervention significantly improved both static and dynamic balance in ten adolescents with cerebral palsy, as measured by clinical and laboratory tests.

In addition to balance improvements, the dance intervention also enhanced rhythm production, indicating potential benefits for both motor and non-motor functions in adolescents with CP.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Benefits of a Dance Intervention on Balance in Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy. Cherriere, C., Martel, M., Sarrasin, A., et al.[2021]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dance Improves Functionality and Psychosocial Adjustment in Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. [2022]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dance program for physical rehabilitation and participation in children with cerebral palsy. [2022]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Is there evidence of benefits associated with dancing in children and adults with cerebral palsy? A scoping review. [2021]

4. Korea (South) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of creative dance-based exercise on gait performance in adolescents with cerebral palsy. [2020]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pilot study of a targeted dance class for physical rehabilitation in children with cerebral palsy. [2022]

6. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dancing for Parkinson's Disease Online: Clinical Trial Process Evaluation. [2023]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

CAN-flip: A Pilot Gymnastics Program for Children With Cerebral Palsy. [2015]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adapting Dance to Complex Clinical Contexts: A Methodology Model. [2023]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

New Directions in Dance Medicine: Dancers with Disabilities, Blindness/Low Vision, and/or Deafness/Hard of Hearing. [2021]

10. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Characterization of dance-based protocols used in rehabilitation - A systematic review. [2022]

11. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Benefits of a Dance Intervention on Balance in Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy. [2021]