The impact of dance on balance and posture control in Parkinson’s disease – a systematic review

Background
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease of the extrapyramidal system where the etiopathogenesis is not fully understood. Previous research has shown that undertaking a variety of physical activities by patients with PD has a beneficial effect on improving muscle strength, balance, mobility, and independence. Also, dance as a form of therapy has beneficial effects and can significantly increase muscular endurance and overall fitness of patients. Aims: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the impact of training incorporating dance/elements of dance on balance and postural control in people with PD.

Aims
The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the impact of training incorporating dance/elements of dance on balance and postural control in people with PD.

Material and methods
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials published from 2007 to May 2021 was performed. PubMed and Web of Science were searched using the keywords: ("dance therapy" OR "dance movement therapy" OR "choreotherapy") AND ("Parkinson’s disease" OR "Parkinson’s" OR "Parkinson’s syndrome"). Eight out of 17 articles were selected for analysis after methodological quality assessment using the PEDro scale. Results: The results of the study showed that several weeks of therapy incorporating dance or elements of dance improved motor skills, gait, elimination of freezing, balance, cognitive function, and non-motor symptoms such as mood, psychological symptoms, and quality of life. Conclusion: The analysis of the results of selected papers suggested that dance and its elements can be used as one form of long-term movement therapy. Choosing the type of dance and appropriate music allows patients with PD to maintain the established intensity of their movements. Dancing improves mental health and is better tolerated, than exercise therapy on a treadmill or cycloergometer, by individuals PD.