Dr Sara Houston and Ashley McGill, University of Roehampton
English National Ballet dances for Parkinson’s: an investigative study
Promoting and encouraging healthy ageing through physical activity and other behaviour-based and social solutions for the older age group (65+ years)
Aim
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease associated with a variety of motor and non-motor symptoms such as tremor, stiffness, rigidity of muscles, freezing in motion, postural imbalance, depression and social isolation. Many people live with Parkinson’s for more than 30 years. With no cure, maintaining quality of life is important, yet there is little research into non-pharmacological ways of doing this.
There is a growing network of dance practitioners who specialise in delivering dance classes to people with Parkinson’s. However, most classes are focused on the enjoyment and creative aspect associated with dance. But there is a growing interest in the mental, physical and social benefits gained.
The aim of this project was to analyse the health benefits and investigate changes to quality of life from dance sessions for people with Parkinson’s.
The research
Researchers from Roehampton University teamed with the English National Ballet for four months to provide one dance session of one and a half hours per week for 12 weeks for people with Parkinson’s.
24 people participated in the dance sessions with some willing to do balance tests, keep diaries and be interviewed. Carers and families were involved.
The research showed that people with Parkinson’s found dancing with a group was easier and a more enjoyable way to exercise as they often forgot physiotherapy exercises or were less inclined to do them at home.
Not one participant dropped out and, in fact, when the English National Ballet extended the project, many of the original participants continued.
While there was an increase in stability and balance, there was no significant increase in static posture. There was an observable difference in fluidity and pace of movement and loosening of the spinal region. The ease of movement was felt for two days after the class.
Importantly, the participants reported an increase in well-being. Words like ‘elated’, ‘joyous’ and ‘feeling good within myself’ were used to describe how they felt.
It was also reported that the participants felt it was a better place to connect socially with others with Parkinson’s than the traditional support groups.
Public benefit
Parkinson’s disease affects around one to two out of 100 people over 65. It’s thought to be slightly more common in men than in women. Most people develop the condition around the age of 60, but around one in 12 people with Parkinson’s disease start having symptoms before the age of 50.
The findings of this research will be used to lobby for funding to support the development of new dance workshops for people with Parkinson’s throughout the UK.
For people with Parkinson’s, dancing provides a means to retain exercise levels, aids mobility and stability, enables social interaction, develops well-being and confidence, and promotes healthy ageing.
