Effects of a ballet-based dance intervention on gait variability and balance confidence of people with Parkinson’s

Sara Houston, Ashley McGill, Raymond Lee

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Abstract

Background: Dance has shown to be beneficial for people with Parkinson’s. However, there is a lack of research on ballet for this population. The present study aimed to determine the effect of weekly ballet classes on gait variability and balance confidence for people with Parkinson’s.
Methods: The study follows a non-randomized, controlled project evaluation design. A group of 19 people with Parkinson’s who were already involved in weekly ballet classes volunteered for this research. A control group of 13 people with Parkinson’s were asked to not participate in dance classes across the duration of the study. 
Results: The study did not demonstrate significant effects of weekly ballet classes on gait variability or balance confidence. Conclusions: These findings differ from recent studies that suggest dancing can improve balance and gait for this population. There is a need to examine the optimal ballet class frequency required to elicit any potential positive change.
© 2018, Taylor & Francis. The attached document (embargoed until 06/03/2018) is an author produced version of a paper published in Arts & Health, uploaded in accordance with the publisher’s self- archiving policy. The final published version (version of record) is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/17533015.2018.1443947. Some minor differences between this version and the final published version may remain. We suggest you refer to the final published version should you wish to cite from it.
Original languageEnglish
Article numberRAHE 1443947
JournalArts & Health
Early online date6 Mar 2018
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 6 Mar 2018

Keywords

  • Neurodegenerative Disease – Dancing - Postural Balance

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