Choreo-based dance interventions and the effects in people with nervous system diseases and elderly

Abstract

Elderly and people with nervous system diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and stroke often suffer from motor and cognitive dysfunctions and fatigue. This can have an impact on their QoL. A multimodal therapeutic intervention is needed to address all those impairments. Dance is a form of leisure and can be considered a multimodal approach to enhance many different functions. It is a fun way to exercise and can improve social behaviour. Dance therapy seems to improve motor functions, cognitive functions and QoL. The intensity, frequency and duration of the dance intervention do not seem to influence the effects. There is no consensus on which dance style is superior.