Brazilian dance could improve mobility in people with Parkinson’s, study finds

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Author: Sophie BatesPublished: 10 September 2020

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Researchers at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil compared participants in a 12-week programme, inspired by samba and forró dances, with those in a walking exercise programme to measure improvement in their functional mobility and gait.

The 18 participants had an average age of 68.6 and had all been diagnosed with Parkinson’s over a year ago.

The results, published in journal BMC Neurology, found that both groups showed significant improvements in mobility and balance tests. Participants in the dance group showed increases in stride frequency at a self-chosen test speed and a reduced swing time (the amount of time the foot is off the floor) at a fast speed.

The results indicated that dance was as “effective as walking in improving functional mobility”.

The researchers wrote: “It is essential to find different activities that can offer benefits to individuals… so that they can engage in the one that best ensures wellbeing and pleasure.”

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For more information on the latest Parkinson’s research please visit the EPDA website.

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Brazilian dance could improve mobility in people with Parkinson’s, study finds

News

Author: Sophie BatesPublished: 10 September 2020

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Brazilian dance could improve mobility in people with Parkinson’s, study finds

News

Author: Sophie BatesPublished: 10 September 2020

Last Month

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Share this story

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Interviews

Overcoming obstacles: why Parkinson’s won’t stop me competing on Ninja Warrior

Resources & Tools

‘Parkinson’s will double by 2040: Are We Ready?’

Episodes

Podcast: Parkinson’s and loneliness

Ireland survey aims to uncover link between pesticides and Parkinson’s disease

Is there a link between Parkinson’s disease and blood vessel dysfunction?

New swab test may help with Parkinson’s disease diagnosis

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