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

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether the Adapted Dance Program can benefit children with cerebral palsy by improving their physical abilities and quality of life. It also examines the practicality of running such a program, which combines watching and performing dance movements. Children diagnosed with cerebral palsy who can move independently to some extent and follow directions in English may be well-suited for this trial. Participants will enjoy a fun 10-week dance program, with their progress assessed before and after the program. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity for children to engage in a creative program that could enhance their daily lives.

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 prior data suggests that this dance program is safe for children with cerebral palsy?

Research has shown that adapted dance programs are generally easy for participants to handle. In past studies, participants improved in endurance, balance, and movement skills. Caregivers also observed emotional and social benefits. The program suits various age groups, including children and adults with cerebral palsy.

These studies have reported no major negative effects, indicating the adapted dance program's safety. The emphasis on physical and emotional benefits, along with the absence of negative reports, suggests that this program is a safe choice for those considering joining the trial. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike traditional treatments for cerebral palsy, which often focus on physical therapy, medications, or surgery, the adapted dance program offers a unique, engaging approach to improve motor skills and enhance quality of life. This program not only provides physical benefits but also fosters social interaction and emotional well-being, which are crucial for holistic development. Researchers are excited about this approach because it empowers participants by integrating creativity and movement, potentially offering benefits beyond those of conventional therapies.

What evidence suggests that this adapted dance program is effective for cerebral palsy?

Research has shown that special dance programs can greatly benefit people with cerebral palsy (CP). Participants in these programs have demonstrated improved endurance, balance, and movement skills. This trial will evaluate an adapted dance program, which involves watching and then performing dance moves, to determine if it enhances these benefits. Studies have also found that children who engage in dance exercises alongside regular physical therapy exhibit better upper body control and enjoy a higher quality of life. Caregivers have observed that children in these programs experience emotional and social improvements. Overall, these special dance programs hold promise for enhancing both physical and emotional health for those with CP. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Michelle Christie, MD

Principal Investigator

Scottish Rite for Children

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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 for a Trial Participant

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)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

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+

Published Research Related to This Trial

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]

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]

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 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]

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]

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]

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]

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 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]

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]

Citations

1.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0887899425001195

Impact of an Adaptive Dance Program on Physical Abilities ...

Participants demonstrated improvements in their endurance, balance, and motor skills. Caregivers also reported improved psychosocial well-being following the ...

2.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11513902/

Effect of adapted dance program on gait in adults with ...

The ADP may improve gait patterns in adults with spastic diplegic CP. The feasibility results indicated that the ADP is suitable for adults with ...

3.

tandfonline.com

tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09593985.2025.2575072?src=

Effects of an adapted dance exercise program on trunk ...

An 8-week ADEP program, when combined with conventional physiotherapy, produced clinically meaningful gains in trunk control and QoL in children ...

4.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40466517/

Impact of an Adaptive Dance Program on Physical Abilities ...

A manualized adaptive dance program based on action-observation principles, on the physical abilities and psychosocial well-being of youth with CP.

5.

tandfonline.com

tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09638288.2023.2200259

The efficacy of dance interventions for the activity and ...

The aim of this review was to examine the efficacy of dance interventions for individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), measured at any level of the International ...

6.

twu-ir.tdl.org

twu-ir.tdl.org/bitstreams/cf85d3c1-a06e-41d2-b753-4eefd7539eff/download

1 Physical Outcomes of a Dance Program for Children with ...

Physical Outcomes of a Dance Program for Children with Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders caused by differences in ...