Effects of a 10-week multimodal dance and art intervention program leading to a public performance in persons with multiple sclerosis - A controlled pilot-trial

Abstract

Background: : Dance therapy is increasingly reported in neurological diseases for improving several motor and cognitive functions, but was mostly studied in partner dance. No individual choreo-based dance program has ever been reported in MS. Objectives: : The aim of this pilot study is to investigate effects of a ten-week choreo-based dance intervention on different impairments in MS. Participants: : Seventeen participants with MS were allocated to a dance group (DG) or an art group (AG) for a ten-week intervention program, with a public live performance at the end of the intervention. Methods: : The DG received choreo-based dance courses twice a week for 90 min, while the active control AG weekly contributed to the production by painting, music, spoken word and photo- or videography. Measurements for fatigue and fatigability, physical capacity and coordination, sensory function, cognitive capacity, quality of life and dual task performance took place before and after the intervention. Differences were analysed with Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. Results: : Both groups improved significantly on executive cognitive performance during dual task and fatigue. Only the DG improved significantly on functional lower limb strength, hand function, coordination, self-reported balance and walking, and showed a trend towards improving on cognition (PASAT). The AG showed significant improvements in on cognitive function (SDMT). Conclusion: : A ten-week multimodal dance intervention has positive effects on impact of fatigue, physical capacity and coordination, and cognitive performance during a dual task. Larger samples, follow-up measurements and research in different disability groups is recommended.