Objective: This pilot trial examined the feasibility of a randomised controlled study design and explored the benefits of the set dancing intervention compared to usual care.
Design: Randomised controlled design, with participants randomised to Irish set dance classes or a usual care control group.
Setting: Community based
Participants: Individuals with idiopathic PD
Interventions: The dance group attended a 1.5 hour dancing class each week for 10 weeks and undertook a home dance programme for 20 minutes three times per week. The usual care control group continued with their usual care and daily activities.
Main outcome measures: The primary outcome was feasibility; determined by recruitment rates, success of randomization and allocation procedures, attrition, adherence, safety, willingness of participants to be randomised, resource availability and cost. Secondary outcomes were motor function (UPDRS-3), quality of life (PDQ-39), functional endurance (six minute walk test) and balance (mini-BESTest).
Results: Ninety participants were randomized (n=45 per group). There were no adverse effects or resource constraints. Although adherence to the dancing programme was 93.5%, there was more than 40% attrition in each group. Post-intervention, the dance group had greater non-significant gains in quality of life compared to the control group. There was a meaningful deterioration in endurance in the control group. There were no meaningful changes in other outcomes. The exit questionnaire showed participants enjoyed the classes and would like to continue participation.
Conclusion: For people with mild to moderately severe PD, set dancing is feasible and enjoyable and may improve quality of life.
