Moving online: Experiences and potential benefits of digital dance for older adults and people with Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: Dance provides a range of beneficial effects for older adults including individuals with age-related neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease (PD). The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the development of at-home dance programs delivered digitally through live and pre-recorded media, but little is known about how participants may engage with and benefit from these resources. OBJECTIVE: This study explored experiences and potential benefits of digital dance participation among healthy older adults and people with PD. METHODS: An online survey consisting of fixed-choice and open questions was designed in collaboration with dance program providers and distributed between June and November 2020. RESULTS: Healthy older adults (N = 149) and people with PD (N = 178) participating in at-home dance programs reported frequent engagement and a range of benefits. People with PD reported greater levels of motor (e.g., ease of movement, balance) than non-motor (e.g., energy, confidence) outcomes, while healthy older adults reported similar numbers of motor and non-motor outcomes. Positive outcomes were associated with the use of movement imagery during dance in both groups, while singing was associated with benefits in people with PD and vocalising was associated with benefits in older adults. At-home dance resources were found to offer convenience and flexibility, but participants missed the interaction, support, and routine provided by in-person classes. The majority expressed a preference to continue with both digital and in-person participation in the future. Qualitative analysis of participants' comments further revealed that digital participation could help to maintain connection and well-being, as well as identifying further considerations for improving accessibility and facilitating digital engagement. CONCLUSIONS: At-home dance appears to be accessible, engaging, and potentially beneficial for older adults and people with PD, although barriers to participation should be addressed. Digital resources will be increasingly important to enable cost-effective, large-scale provision of home-based therapeutic activities.

Dance at Home for People With Parkinson's During COVID-19 and Beyond: Participation, Perceptions, and Prospects.

Emerging evidence shows that dance can provide both physical and non-physical benefits for people living with Parkinson's disease (PD). The suspension of in-person dance classes during the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a transition to remote provision via live and recorded digital media. An online survey explored accessibility of and engagement with home-based dance programs, as well as potential benefits and processes involved in participation. The survey was co-developed by researchers and dance program providers, with input from people with PD and physiotherapists. Responses were collected from 276 individuals, including 178 current users of home-based programs, the majority of whom were participating at least once per week. Among respondents not currently using digital resources, lack of knowledge and motivation were the primary barriers. Most participants (94.9%) reported that home based practise provided some benefits, including physical (e.g., balance, posture) and non-physical (e.g., mood, confidence) improvements. Participants valued the convenience and flexibility of digital participation, but noted limitations including reductions in social interaction, support from instructors and peers, and motivation. There was a strong preference (70.8%) for continuing with home-based practise alongside in-person classes in the future. The results indicate that at-home dance is accessible and usable for people with PD, and that some of the previously-reported benefits of dance may be replicated in this context. Digital dance programs will likely remain a key element of future provision for people with PD, and the present findings will inform further development of resources and research into mechanisms and outcomes of home-based dance participation.