Dance for Parkinson's Disease

Overseen By Aston K McCullough, PhD, MS, MA

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Northeastern University

Must not be taking: Cardiovascular medications

Disqualifiers: Neurological conditions, Pregnancy, Smoking, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

60 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to explore how to measure dance classes designed for people with Parkinson's and how the intensity of these classes relates to everyday activities and health. Participants will attend either online or in-person dance classes and may wear activity monitors or participate in health assessments. It suits adults diagnosed with Parkinson's by a neurologist, who can manage daily activities independently, and currently participate in Dance for PD® classes. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding the benefits of dance for Parkinson's patients.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you take medication that affects cardiovascular responses to exercise, you may not be eligible to participate.

What prior data suggests that these methods for quantifying dance are safe for adults with Parkinson's?

Studies have shown that both online and in-person dance classes are safe for people with Parkinson's Disease (PD). Research indicates that virtual classes are not only safe but also practical for those with mild to moderate PD. One study found that participants enjoyed online dance therapy, and everyone completed the sessions.

For in-person dance, evidence suggests it is safe and helps people with PD move and socialize. Another study found that both online and in-person dance classes were well-received, with everyone finishing the classes without any problems.

Overall, participants in both types of dance classes reported positive experiences, and the activities proved to be safe and helpful. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Dance for Parkinson's Disease trial because it explores non-drug interventions for managing symptoms. Unlike traditional treatments that often involve medications like levodopa or dopamine agonists, this approach leverages dance classes to potentially improve motor skills and quality of life. The trial includes both virtual and in-person dance sessions, offering flexibility and accessibility for participants. By measuring outcomes like heart rate, oxygen uptake, and perceived exertion, researchers hope to better understand the physical benefits of dance for individuals with Parkinson's, potentially offering a complementary or alternative option to medication.

What evidence suggests that this trial's dance classes could be effective for Parkinson's Disease?

Studies have shown that dancing can help people with Parkinson's disease (PD) improve balance and reduce movement problems. This trial will compare two approaches: online and in-person Dance for PD classes. Research indicates that both formats are beneficial. Participants often report learning new moves and feeling happier. In-person classes have consistently improved movement skills and quality of life. Meanwhile, online classes offer a safe and convenient option, attracting regular participation. Overall, dance programs can enhance physical, mental, and social abilities for people with PD. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults with Parkinson's Disease who are interested in participating in dance classes tailored to their condition. Participants will be monitored and asked about their physical and cognitive abilities, daily activities, and perceptions of technology integration into dancing.

Inclusion Criteria

My Parkinson's disease is in the early or middle stages.

I am currently taking Dance for PD® classes.

Exclusion Criteria

Current smoking or tobacco product use

Pregnant or trying to become pregnant

Contraindications to exercise as determined by PARQ+

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Dance for PD Sessions

Participants engage in Dance for PD classes, either in-person or virtually, with heart rate and perceived exertion measured.

3-12 months

2 virtual sessions, 3 in-person sessions

Data Collection and Analysis

Data from wearable sensors, cameras, and heart rate monitors are collected and analyzed to quantify physical activity intensity.

Ongoing during Dance for PD sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the intervention.

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• No Intervention

Trial Overview The study aims to develop methods for quantifying dance movements using cameras and monitors, while also examining how the intensity of these dances relates to participants' daily routines and health status.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Dance for PD (virtual/remote) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will engage in Dance for PD classes online in their usual fashion, and within a group-based setting, for a total of two sessions. Heart rate and perceived exertion will be measured throughout the Dance for PD classes.

Group II: Dance for PD (in-person) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will engage in Dance for PD classes in-person in their usual fashion, and within a group-based setting, for a total of three sessions. Oxygen uptake, heart rate and perceived exertion will be measured throughout specific Dance for PD classes.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Northeastern University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

103

Recruited

72,600+

Mark Morris Dance Group

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

60+

Published Research Related to This Trial

This study aims to assess the feasibility of a larger trial evaluating the benefits of dance for people with Parkinson's disease, involving 50 participants who will be randomized to either a dance intervention or usual care.

The research will explore not only the physical benefits, such as balance and spinal posture, but also the personal experiences of participants, which could provide valuable insights for future dance programs tailored for individuals with Parkinson's disease.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A design to investigate the feasibility and effects of partnered ballroom dancing on people with Parkinson disease: randomized controlled trial protocol. Ashburn, A., Roberts, L., Pickering, R., et al.[2022]

A study involving 204 Parkinson's disease patients identified effective predictor algorithms that significantly improve the prediction of motor outcomes using clinical measures and dopamine-transporter imaging data.

The combination of longitudinal motor measures and advanced feature selection techniques led to a highly accurate prediction model, achieving a low error rate of 4.15, indicating the potential for better clinical trial design in testing new therapies for Parkinson's disease.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Machine learning methods for optimal prediction of motor outcome in Parkinson's disease. Salmanpour, MR., Shamsaei, M., Saberi, A., et al.[2020]

The study updated the efficacy ratings of several Parkinson's disease treatments, finding that apomorphine, piribedil, unilateral pallidotomy, and subthalamic nucleus stimulation showed improved efficacy, while rasagiline was newly rated as efficacious for controlling Parkinsonism.

Human fetal nigral transplants were deemed non-efficacious for treating Parkinsonism and related motor issues, and selegiline was reclassified as non-efficacious for preventing dyskinesias, highlighting the need for ongoing updates in treatment efficacy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evidence-based medical review update: pharmacological and surgical treatments of Parkinson's disease: 2001 to 2004. Goetz, CG., Poewe, W., Rascol, O., et al.[2022]

Real-world data (RWD) studies provide valuable insights into the safety and effectiveness of medications for Parkinson's disease (PD) in diverse populations, complementing traditional randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which have limitations like high costs and short follow-up periods.

The review highlights the need for better understanding and analysis of RWD to develop new treatment strategies and identify contraindications for PD, and introduces the PaWei app platform aimed at improving PD management in real-world settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evidence of Repurposing Drugs and Identifying Contraindications from Real World Study in Parkinson's Disease. Tang, Y., Yang, K., Zhao, J., et al.[2020]

A 12-week Brazilian samba dance program, conducted twice a week, is being tested as a non-drug intervention for individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) to improve both motor skills (like balance and mobility) and non-motor symptoms, potentially enhancing overall quality of life.

The study aims to demonstrate that dance can serve as an effective rehabilitation tool for PD, promoting patient compliance due to its cultural and enjoyable nature, while requiring minimal resources for implementation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Brazilian Samba Protocol for Individuals With Parkinson's Disease: A Clinical Non-Randomized Study. Tillmann, AC., Andrade, A., Swarowsky, A., et al.[2020]

A review of 53 randomized controlled trials on exercise and motor training for Parkinson's disease showed that most interventions were effective and well-supervised, lasting an average of 8.3 weeks, with high participant retention rates (69% retained ≥85% of participants).

However, the lack of detailed reporting on adherence and adverse events in 72% of trials may hinder clinicians' ability to implement these programs effectively in practice, as they need to weigh the benefits against potential risks.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise and motor training in people with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review of participant characteristics, intervention delivery, retention rates, adherence, and adverse events in clinical trials. Allen, NE., Sherrington, C., Suriyarachchi, GD., et al.[2021]

This scoping review aims to analyze the variability in trial designs for disease-modifying interventions in Parkinson's disease, addressing the challenges posed by population diversity and the need for sensitive outcome measures.

Using the PICOS framework, the review will systematically gather and describe data from various studies to identify emerging trends in trial design, which could help improve future research in Parkinson's disease interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Investigating trial design variability in trials of disease-modifying therapies in Parkinson's disease: a scoping review protocol. Zeissler, ML., Boey, T., Chapman, D., et al.[2023]

Dance interventions have been shown to significantly improve motor symptoms, particularly balance and motor symptom severity, in individuals with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease, based on a systematic review of 16 randomized controlled trials involving 636 participants.

While dance shows promise for enhancing motor function, further research is needed to explore its effects on non-motor symptoms and overall quality of life, with recommendations for larger studies using mixed-methods approaches to better understand the most effective program elements.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The efficacy of dance for improving motor impairments, non-motor symptoms, and quality of life in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Carapellotti, AM., Stevenson, R., Doumas, M.[2023]

While advancements in treating Parkinson's disease have improved motor symptoms, they often lead to significant neuropsychiatric side effects that can severely impact patients' quality of life and daily activities.

It is crucial for clinicians to discuss these potential side effects with patients to ensure informed consent and facilitate early identification and intervention, as patients may not report these issues due to lack of insight or embarrassment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Neuropsychiatric effects of Parkinson's disease treatment. Aarons, S., Peisah, C., Wijeratne, C.[2015]

The Dance for Parkinson's Disease® (DfPD®) program, conducted over 8 weeks with 16 Greek patients, significantly improved quality of life, depressive symptoms, fatigue, cognitive functions, balance, and body mass index, indicating its efficacy as a therapeutic intervention.

The program was found to be safe and feasible, with no adverse events reported, high adherence (93.75%), and low dropout rates (12.5%), suggesting it is a viable non-pharmacological option for managing Parkinson's Disease.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of a structured dance program in Parkinson's disease. A Greek pilot study. Elpidoforou, M., Bakalidou, D., Drakopoulou, M., et al.[2022]

The FDA has granted clearance for the Rune Labs Kinematics System, a smartwatch-based tool that safely monitors tremors and dyskinesias in Parkinson's disease patients, indicating it can be used in daily practice.

While the system shows acceptable correlations with traditional clinical measures, further validation is needed to confirm its effectiveness in reflecting meaningful patient outcomes and to establish its role in clinical trials.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An Apple a Day to Keep the Parkinson's Disease Doctor Away? Bloem, BR., Post, E., Hall, DA.[2023]

Analysis of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) revealed no significant association between dopamine agonists and compulsive shopping or binge eating, suggesting these behaviors may not be more prevalent in treated Parkinson's patients compared to the general population.

While there was a weak signal for hypersexuality and a robust signal for pathological gambling associated with dopamine agonists, the increase in reporting rates after publicity indicates that these findings may not necessarily reflect a true increase in risk, warranting further investigation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Detecting associations between behavioral addictions and dopamine agonists in the Food & Drug Administration's Adverse Event database. Gendreau, KE., Potenza, MN.[2021]

A pilot study involving 10 patients with Parkinson's disease showed that participating in tango dance lessons, combined with home exercises, led to improvements in quality of life and motor function as measured by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale.

The study suggests that a home-based exercise protocol derived from tango dance can be an effective rehabilitative approach for individuals with Parkinson's disease, addressing organizational barriers to participation in traditional dance classes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility of home exercises to enhance the benefits of tango dancing in people with Parkinson's disease. Albani, G., Veneziano, G., Lunardon, C., et al.[2019]

The online dance program was found to be feasible and safe for older adults, with a 100% adherence rate and no reported falls during the sessions, indicating it can be a reliable option for maintaining activity levels.

Participants with Parkinson's disease showed significant improvements in emotional well-being (reducing anxiety and depression) and lower-limb functional mobility, suggesting that online dance can have positive clinical effects for this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Safe and Feasible Online Dance Intervention for Older Adults With and Without Parkinson's Disease. Pinto, C., Figueiredo, C., Mabilia, V., et al.[2023]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9957486/

Dancing for Parkinson's Disease Online: Clinical Trial ... Overall, the dancers with PD reported being able to master new movements and skills. They advised that being guided by experienced dance instructors helped them ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S136085922400247X

The impact of Dance for Parkinson's Disease on subjective ... Most of the dancers experienced DfPD as improving their balance, and both the dancers and relatives experienced increased joy and happiness in life. The results ...

3. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04719468

PD-Ballet: Effectiveness and Implementation in Parkinson's ... Current literature consistently demonstrates beneficial motor effects of dance-based therapies in Parkinson's disease, along with improved quality of life.

4. bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12877-021-02446-w

Evidence of disease severity, cognitive and physical outcomes ... Dancing has been postulated to help patients with Parkinson's via several mechanisms that lead to improved physical, cognitive and social functions.

5. tandfonline.com tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/11038128.2024.2411206

Dance for Parkinson, multifaceted experiences of persons ... Research shows that dance can improve motor impairment, specifically balance, as well as the severity of motor symptoms in persons with mild to ...

6. neurologylive.com neurologylive.com/view/dance-class-intervention-safe-patients-parkinson-disease

Dance Class Intervention Safe for Patients With Parkinson ... It was concluded that online dance therapy was safe for both groups, with those in the PD group showing a 100% adherence rate, as well as a ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12084774/

An In-Person and Online Intervention for Parkinson ... DfPD is a dance intervention specially designed for patients with PD, which integrates different dance genres, encourages dance exploration, and focuses on ...

8. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1496146/full

Digital dance programs for Parkinson's disease Preliminary evidence indicates that online dance can be safe and feasible for individuals with mild to moderate PD, showing good rates of attendance and ...

9. scup.com scup.com/doi/full/10.18261/njach.4.2.4

On-line vs. On-site Dance for People with Parkinson's ... Recently, a 10-week digital dance intervention for people with PD in the Stockholm region in Sweden was shown to be feasible and safe, as well ...

10. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8556098/

Dance Is an Accessible Physical Activity for People with ... Dancing for people with PD aims to improve movement, wellbeing, and quality of life, as well as social engagement and exercise capacity [29–32].