Effects of a short duration, high dose contact improvisation dance workshop on Parkinson disease: A pilot study

Objectives: This study explored the feasibility and possible benefits of contact improvisation (Cl) 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 Cl classes over 2 weeks, dancing with previously trained student Cl 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 Cl classes. Conclusions: This pilot study supports the feasibility of Cl as an intervention to address mobility limitations associated with PD. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.