JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Parkinsons' Disease (PD) is a multi-factorial disease that impacts various aspects, including motor and non-motor behaviours such as mood, cognition, behaviour and quality of life. Evidence suggests that therapies alternative to surgical procedures and medication can help in reducing the progression of Parkinson’s Disease without any side effects. Engaging in leisure activities such as music, dance and physical exercise is seen to have neuroprotective effects on people with neurodegenerative disorders. However, limited research exists on the non-motor aspects of PD, with primary focus being on the gait and balance of PD. Prior research primarily focuses on the motor aspects of PD such as gait and balance, with limited evidence on the non-motor presentations of PD.Furthermore, the limited studies that exist do not take into account the long-term impact on participants’ and caretakers. There is also a paucity in current literature assessing the effect of alternative therapies on PD in an Indian setup.

Objective:

The primary aim is to study the impact of dance/music and meditation on mild and moderate PD progression and Quality of Life. The secondary aims of the project include detecting the impact of therapy on cognition, mood and behaviour. The impact on the quality of life of the caretaker will also be assessed.

Methods:

This is a prospective randomized controlled pilot study with 30 PD participants (mild to moderate severity) randomized into intervention (therapy with usual care) and reference group (usual care) at a ratio of 15:15. The patients in intervention group will be enrolled to take part in three weekly sessions of dance/music and meditation for 6 months. Within dance and music, the patients will be given options to choose an activity of their interest. The clinical measures will be completed by blinded assessors at baseline, 3 months and 6 months’ post randomization.

Results:

Currently, the project is in its data analysis phase, with a tentative completion date of 20th June 2024.

Conclusions:

This study will be significant in exploring alternative therapies that can improve the quality of life of patients with PD and their care-givers. Current treatment options such as medication can lead to side effects resulting in a poor quality of life. Clinical Trial: Registered with Clinical Trials Registry India (CTRI) dated 27/03/2023, CTRI No: CTRI/2023/03/051064, http://ctri.nic.in