PEM’s program was inspired by several research projects which studied the link between the increased well-being of people living with parkinson’s disease (PD) and music, dance and specific movements and exercises. A list will follow.
We are proud to announce the publication of the results of a research project in the Journal of Physical and Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics. Several of our teachers have collaborated on this project. The study examined the Effects of Improvisational Dance Movement Therapy on Balance and Cognition in Parkinson’s Disease. The study concludes that dance movement therapy with an emphasis on improvisational dance resulted in functional gains in balance and cognition for people with Parkinson’s disease and merits further exploration.
Studies on which our programme is based as well as other useful links:
From the USA, Dr Cynthia Fox of the National Center for Voice and Speech, (University of Colorado Boulder) is pursuing research on recent advances in neuroscience that suggest exercise-based behavioural treatments may improve function and possibly slow progression of motor symptoms in individuals with PD (LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD).
In California, Dr Giselle M. Petzinger du George and MaryLou Boone Center for Parkinson’s Disease Research have demonstrated the link between exercise and the production of Dopamine.
From Ontario, the SMART (Science of Music, Auditory Research and Technology Lab, Ryerson U) research team is looking into questions at the intersection of mind, music and technology. Dr. Russo is hoping to leverage the neural links between music, movement and emotion to help emotionally kick-start Parkinson’s patients who’ve lost expressiveness.
In Montreal, the second most important centre for research in neuroscience:
The BRAMS (the International Laboratory for Brain, Music and Sound Research, jointly affiliated with the University of Montreal and McGill) has discovered a link between dopamine production & music.
Dr. Ron Postuma, from McGill University Health Centre, has been directing research into the possible effects of Tango on Parkinson’s symptoms.
The Research Group on adapted exercise at University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM) is studying the positive effects of adapted physical activity.
A few articles of interest
- The therapeutic effects of music with people living with Parkinson’s.
- Active Music Therapy and Parkinson’s patients.
- Rehabilitation, exercise therapy and music in patients with Parkinson’s disease: a meta-analysis of the effects of music-based movement therapy on walking ability, balance and quality of life.
- The effects of dance on gait and balance in Parkinson disease: A comparison of partnered and non-partnered dance.
- Effects of Dance on Movement Control in Parkinson’s Disease: A Comparison of Argentine Tango and American Ballroom.
- Iowa State study finds singing helps people with Parkinson’s disease
- Dance as Therapy for Individuals with Parkinson Disease.
- Effects of dance on balance and gait in severe Parkinson disease: A case study.
- Le chant améliore certains symptômes de la maladie de Parkinson
- Dance therapy improves motor and cognitive functions in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Movies
Unisson: Two women with Parkinson’s disease are given the challenge of working with a professional choreographer during 4 weeks. An inspiring film on the art of caring.
Parkinson le fait danser : A really interesting film about a CEGEP teacher who discovered that dance really help him keep his PD symptoms in check.
PRESENT MOMENT from Aimie Vallat on Vimeo. A documentary about a family with a member coping with PD. Challenge, courage, resilience.
Capturing Grace : Capturing Grace is a story about two realms. One is occupied by some of the most acclaimed modern dancers in the world. The other is inhabited by a group of people with Parkinson’s disease. This film is about what happens when those worlds intersect.