Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Shall We Dance: A Parkinson’S Dance-Based Program, Rebecca Zawodny, Anne H. Boddy

St. Augustine, Fall 2018

This poster presents the implementation of a community-based dance program for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Dance interventions for individuals with PD are shown to be superior to exercise for improving balance and mobility^5,6,7 thus, effectively addressing both motor as well non-motor symptoms such as depression, fear, anxiety, and declined self-efficacy.^8,9,10 Further positive effects include improved flexibility and coordination7^,11 and forced-use of the senses of sight, sound, and touch to assist with movement and balance.¹² The use of choreography further allows for the rehearsal of movement sequences, new motor skill learning, and improved cognitive functions.^{13 …}