The Meaning of Engagement in Dance for Parkinson’s Disease® on Participant’s Self-Efficacy, Quality of Life and Occupational Participation
Faculty Advisor Name
Rachelle Dorne
Department
Department of Health Professions
Description
The prevalence of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is currently on the rise. At this time, it is the second most common neurodegenerative disease affecting adults. Nearly one million people will be living with PD in 2020. In the state of Virginia alone, over 19,000 people are diagnosed with PD (Living With Parkinson's, 2019). Motor and cognitive symptoms, such as bradykinesia, postural instability, mobility impairments, and changes in attention and memory, impede an individual's occupational participation, which influences their role competence (McRae et al., 2017). A recent diagnosis of PD drastically alters social participation, performance patterns, and a sense of identity of those with the disorder (Tickle-Degnen et al., 2017). Similarly, the quality of life (QoL) of a caregiver or family member is highly affected by a loved one’s diagnosis of PD (Living With Parkinson's, 2019).
The Dance for Parkinson’s Disease® (DfPD) is a specially designed program led by professionally-trained dancers whose knowledge of movement, balance, and rhythm benefits participants with PD. Dance movements of different styles of dance such as ballet, tango, and tap are integrated into classes while seated or standing in a group setting (McRae et al., 2017). Membership in these classes are open for those with PD, as well as their caregivers and families. There are classes held across the United States, as well as internationally, typically in large cities. Trained volunteers are used to support participants, play music, and promote safety during the dance movements. The DfPD program has been shown to help improve participants’ motor performance, balance skills, self-efficacy, and QoL (McRae et al., 2017).
This is not formal rehabilitation, but simply an enjoyable occupation. The meaning of participation in DfPD for those with PD and their caregivers, and the value of interprofessional collaboration between dance, music, and occupational therapy students have not been investigated. Participants in this study were recruited using purposive sampling from members and student volunteers who attended DfPD classes over a semester through a local university in a rural community. Through a mixed-method convergent design, this research includes a demographic questionnaire and the Daily Living Questionnaire (DLQ) to measure cognitive influences in performance of activities of daily living (for those with PD) (Rosenblum, Josman, & Toglia, 2017), and focus groups of individuals with PD and their caregivers, to understand the experience of their engagement in DfPD and QoL. Survey responses by students volunteers in occupational therapy, music, and dance programs were analyzed. The quantitative and qualitative results will be discussed and compared to better understand the experiences and value of engagement in DfPD for student volunteers, the participants, and their caregivers.
The Meaning of Engagement in Dance for Parkinson’s Disease® on Participant’s Self-Efficacy, Quality of Life and Occupational Participation
The prevalence of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is currently on the rise. At this time, it is the second most common neurodegenerative disease affecting adults. Nearly one million people will be living with PD in 2020. In the state of Virginia alone, over 19,000 people are diagnosed with PD (Living With Parkinson's, 2019). Motor and cognitive symptoms, such as bradykinesia, postural instability, mobility impairments, and changes in attention and memory, impede an individual's occupational participation, which influences their role competence (McRae et al., 2017). A recent diagnosis of PD drastically alters social participation, performance patterns, and a sense of identity of those with the disorder (Tickle-Degnen et al., 2017). Similarly, the quality of life (QoL) of a caregiver or family member is highly affected by a loved one’s diagnosis of PD (Living With Parkinson's, 2019).
The Dance for Parkinson’s Disease® (DfPD) is a specially designed program led by professionally-trained dancers whose knowledge of movement, balance, and rhythm benefits participants with PD. Dance movements of different styles of dance such as ballet, tango, and tap are integrated into classes while seated or standing in a group setting (McRae et al., 2017). Membership in these classes are open for those with PD, as well as their caregivers and families. There are classes held across the United States, as well as internationally, typically in large cities. Trained volunteers are used to support participants, play music, and promote safety during the dance movements. The DfPD program has been shown to help improve participants’ motor performance, balance skills, self-efficacy, and QoL (McRae et al., 2017).
This is not formal rehabilitation, but simply an enjoyable occupation. The meaning of participation in DfPD for those with PD and their caregivers, and the value of interprofessional collaboration between dance, music, and occupational therapy students have not been investigated. Participants in this study were recruited using purposive sampling from members and student volunteers who attended DfPD classes over a semester through a local university in a rural community. Through a mixed-method convergent design, this research includes a demographic questionnaire and the Daily Living Questionnaire (DLQ) to measure cognitive influences in performance of activities of daily living (for those with PD) (Rosenblum, Josman, & Toglia, 2017), and focus groups of individuals with PD and their caregivers, to understand the experience of their engagement in DfPD and QoL. Survey responses by students volunteers in occupational therapy, music, and dance programs were analyzed. The quantitative and qualitative results will be discussed and compared to better understand the experiences and value of engagement in DfPD for student volunteers, the participants, and their caregivers.
