The Ronnie Gardiner Rhythm and Music Method – a feasibility study in Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the feasibility of the novel intervention, Ronnie Gardiner Rhythm and Music (RGRM™) Method compared to a control group for patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Method: Eighteen patients, mean age 68, participating in a disability study within a neurological rehabilitation centre, were randomly allocated to intervention group (n = 12) or control group (n = 6). Feasibility was assessed by comparing effects of the intervention on clinical outcome measures (primary outcome: mobility as assessed by two-dimensional motion analysis, secondary outcomes: mobility, cognition, quality of life, adherence, adverse events and eligibility). Results: Univariable analyses showed no significant differences between groups following intervention. However, analyses suggested that patients in the intervention group improved more on mobility (p = 0.006), cognition and quality of life than patients in the control group. There were no adverse events and a high level of adherence to therapy was observed. Conclusions: In this disability study, the use of the RGRM™ Method showed promising results in the intervention group and the adherence level was high. Our results suggest that most assessments chosen are eligible to use in a larger randomized controlled study for patients with PD.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• The RGRM™ Method appeared to be a useful and safe method that showed promising results in both motor and cognitive functions as well as quality of life in patients with moderate PD.

• The RGRM™ Method can be used by physiotherapists, occupational, speech and music therapists in neurological rehabilitation.

• Most measurements were feasible except for Timed-Up-and-Go.

• Music therapy
• neurological disorders
• Parkinson’s disease
• quality of life

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all patients who took part in this study, Marie Fredriksen for leading the intervention group, Lars Valter for statistical advice, Mats Eklund for providing the opto-electronic equipment, Arto Nordlund and Pfizer for providing us with CAB and Ing-Mari Ruuth Knutsson for helping with assessments.