RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: This study explored the feasibility and possible benefits of contact improvisation (CI) as an exercise intervention for individuals with PD. DESIGN: This was an uncontrolled pilot study. INTERVENTION: Eleven people with PD (H&Y=2.4 ± 0.4) participated in a workshop of 10 1.5-h CI classes over 2 weeks, dancing with previously trained student CI dancers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Measures of disease severity, balance, functional mobility, and gait were compared 1 week before and after the workshop. RESULTS: Participants demonstrated improvements on the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale-Motor Subsection and Berg balance scores, along with increased swing and decreased stance percentages during walking. Backward step length also increased. Participants expressed a high level of enjoyment and interest in taking future CI classes. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study supports the feasibility of CI as an intervention to address mobility limitations associated with PD.
