Article

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of a Dance Centre delivering a programme
of mixed dances to people with Parkinson's and identify suitable outcomes for a
future definitive trial. DESIGN:
A two-group randomized controlled feasibility
trial. METHODS: People with Parkinson's were randomized to a control or
experimental group (ratio 15:35), alongside usual care. In addition, participants
in the experimental group danced with a partner for one hour, twice-a-week for 10
weeks; professional dance teachers led the classes and field-notes were kept.
Control-group participants were given dance class vouchers at the end of the
study. Blinded assessments of balance, mobility and function were completed in
the home. Qualitative interviews were conducted with a subsample to explore the
acceptability of dance. RESULTS: A total of 51 people with Parkinson's (25 male)
with Hoehn and Yahr scores of 1-3 and mean age of 71 years (range 49-85 years),
were recruited to the study. Dance partners were of similar age (mean 68, range
56-91 years). Feasibility findings focused on recruitment (target achieved);
retention (five people dropped out of dancing); outcome measures (three measures
were considered feasible, changes were recommended). Proposed sample size for a
Phase III trial, based on the 6-minute walk test at six months was 220.
Participants described dance as extremely enjoyable and the instructors were
skilled in instilling confidence and motivation. The main organizational
challenges for a future trial were transport and identifying suitable dance partners. CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated the feasibility of conducting the
study through a Dance Centre and recommend a Phase III trial.

Langue : ANGLAIS