Dance classes for symptoms and wellbeing

Intervention: Group 1: Intervention group: Attendance in a dance intervention. (2 weekly sessions of 60 minutes over 18 weeks) Group 2: Passive control group: no attendance in a dance intervention (no intervention) Primary outcome: Functional mobility in individuals with Parkinson’s disease, defined as a composite of gait ability, balance, strength, and motor control, was assessed at two measurement time points—before the start (pre-test) and after completion (post-test) of the 18-week dance intervention. Assessment is conducted using the following standardized test battery: - 10-Meter Walking Test (10MWT): Evaluation of gait speed and stability. -Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) in standard, manual, and cognitive versions to assess complex mobility and dual-task performance. -Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSTS): Measurement of lower-limb strength and functional transfer ability. -Four-Square Step Test (FSST) and 360° Turn Test (360°TT): Evaluation of dynamic balance and coordination. -Limits of Stability (LOS) and Sensory Organization Test (SOT): Analysis of static and dynamic balance using the Balance Master system. -Handgrip Strength (Dynamometry): Measurement of isometric muscular force as a physiological marker. Additionally, spatiotemporal gait parameters (stride length, cadence, and gait cycle duration) were recorded using the OptoGait and NORAXON system. Examination of neurophysiological adaptations: Changes in cortical activation and cortico-muscular coupling, assessed at pre- and post-intervention. -Spectral EEG analysis: Evaluation of activation patterns in motor-relevant cortical networks. -EEG-EMG coherence analysis: Quantification of functional coupling between cortical and muscular activity using an EEG-system by BrainProducts. These test and measurement procedures provide the basis for evaluating motor improvements resulting from the dance intervention through pre-post comparisons. Secondary outcome: 1. Fear of Falling: Perceived fear of falling in daily and social situations, assessed at both pre- and post-intervention time points. Data are collected using the Falls Efficacy Scale – International (FES-I) (16 items, four-point Likert scale). The instrument quantifies the degree of fall-related concern across a range of physically and socially demanding situations.? 2. Quality of Life: Health-related and general perceived quality of life are assessed at pre- and post-intervention using the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39), and at pre-intervention, week 5, week 9, and post-intervention using the WHO-5 Well-Being Index (WHO-5). Assessment procedures: PDQ-39: Captures eight domains of quality of life, including mobility, emotional stability, social support, and stigma (self-report, 39 items). WHO-5: Evaluates subjective well-being throughout the intervention period at short intervals for longitudinal monitoring.