Can Dance Improve Turning in People With Parkinson's Disease?

Objective: To investigate the effects of a dance intervention on selected functional parameters during the 180° turning phase of the Timed Up & Go (TUG) test in people with Parkinson's Disease (PwPD). Methods: Fifteen adults clinically diagnosed with idiopathic PD were allocated into dance intervention (DIG; n = 7 ; age 73 ± 2 years) and control (CG; n = 8; age 64 ± 5 years) groups. The dance intervention lasted for 3 months (1 hour, twice a week). At baseline, all participants completed the Unified PD Rating Scale-part III, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form, and the Hoehn & Yahr scale. Pre- and post-intervention, the primary outcomes were measured (number of steps and time to complete the 180° turning phase of the TUG test) at 2 speeds (comfortable walking and as quickly and safely speed) while using the Xsens® 3D motion suit. The secondary outcome (girdle dissociation) was assessed by calculating the difference between pelvis and affected shoulder orientation in the transverse plane (dissociation angles) at each data point during the TUG test's 180° turning phase. Results: At participant's comfortable walking speed, the functionality during the 180° turning remained unaffected following the dance intervention. However, at participant's fast speed, the dance intervention group significantly reduced the number of steps with a large effect size, and the total time taken to complete the 180° turning with a medium effect size. Post-intervention, most participants in the dance intervention group reduced the affected shoulder and pelvic girdle dissociation and turned more "en bloc." Conclusion: Dance can improve selected functional parameters during the 180° turning at fast speed in PwPD. The current results should be considered in rehabilitation programs.

Brazilian dance self-perceived impacts on quality of life of people with Parkinson's.

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) causes several motor and non-motor symptoms, resulting in negative impacts on physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of people with PD quality of life. Dance has been considered as a potential non-pharmacological intervention to improve people with PD motor and non-motor symptoms, thereby enhancing quality of life. Purpose: To analyze the self-perceive impacts of Brazilian Dance on the quality of life (physical, mental, emotional, and social) of PwPD, both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Fourteen participants from the "Dança & Parkinson" project were included in this qualitative study. Data collection instruments consisted of a profile and personal data sheet; assessment of accessibility to the online dance classes; Telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment by phone call; and semi-structured interview conducted through ZOOM video call. The participants characterization data were calculated using mean, standard deviation, and percentages with the Excel Program version 2013. Qualitative data was analyzed using the Thematic Analysis technique in the Nvivo, version 8.0, qualitative analysis of text, sound, and video program. Results: The participants reported facing various challenges in dealing with PD, which negatively impact their quality of life. However, their resilience, acceptance, and dedication to treatment play an important role in coping with the issues related to the disease. Brazilian dance, both in-person before the COVID-19 pandemic and online during the pandemic, led the participants to perceive improvements in physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of quality of life. Conclusion: The Brazilian dance appears to have a positive impact on the physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of the participants' quality of life, both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Electrical Activity of Powerhouse Muscles During the Teaser Exercise of Pilates Using Different Types of Apparatus.

We compared the electrical activity of certain powerhouse muscles-External Oblique, Multifidus, Adductor Longus, and Gluteus Medius-during the teaser exercise of the Pilates Method, performed on various types of apparatus-the Mat, Reformer, and Wall Unit. Fifteen female practitioners of the Classic Pilates Method (32.6 ± 7.7 years old; 21.9 ± 1.9 body mass index) performed the teaser in each situation while electromyographic (EMG) and kinematic data were collected. Root mean square values of the flexion phase were compared. All muscles showed higher EMG activity in Reformer compared with Wall Unit, and Multifidus, Adductor Longus, and Gluteus Medius showed higher EMG activity in Mat compared with Wall Unit. No difference was found between Reformer and Mat.