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

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-randomised, 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.

Keywords:

• Neurodegenerative disease
• dancing
• postural balance

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank staff members at the English National Ballet for their help and support during the data collections and for allowing us to use their studio space. We would also like to thank the BA dance students at Roehampton University for volunteering to help with data collections and for providing a comfortable and enjoyable testing session for the participants.