Dance for Parkinson’s

3 Dec 2014

On this International Day of People with Disability Belinda Wilson discusses the benefits of partnerships between health and arts organisations…..

About 17,000 Queenslanders have a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, and more than one person in Australia is diagnosed per hour.  Parkinson’s is a chronic, progressive, complex, disabling neurological condition which currently has no known cure. The four key symptoms are tremor, rigidity, slow or impaired muscle movement and postural instability. Parkinson’s is the second most common neurological condition in Australia, and is increasing in incidence at approximately 4% each year.

Parkinson’s Queensland’s mission is that all people living with Parkinson’s will have access to comprehensive and relevant services, encouraging independence and quality of life.  Parkinson’s Queensland recognises the importance of collaboration and ongoing research. One of our current collaborations is with the Queensland Ballet in an initiative called ‘Dance for Parkinson’s’.

In October 2013, Queensland Ballet commenced a pilot program of weekly dance classes for people affected by Parkinson’s. Queensland Ballet delivered 30 classes to over 60 participants from around Brisbane working with Parkinson’s Queensland, David Leventhal from the Mark Morris Dance Group and Brisbane-based Dance for PD specialist, Erica Rose Jeffrey.

The pilot was accompanied by a research project with Queensland University of Technology’s Creative Industries (Dance) and Health (Movement Neuroscience) faculties and The University of Queensland’s Health and Behavioural Sciences (Physiotherapy) faculty to analyse the social and physical benefits of the program.   Professor Sandra Brauer from the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences said dance could improve some aspects of balance in people with Parkinson’s disease, as well as improve their mood and quality of life.

The study examines participants’ balance, walking and physical function to determine if the Dance for Parkinson’s program has had a positive effect. 

“It is thought that dance promotes neuroplasticity, enhancing behavioural measures of walking ability, balance, and even cognition,” she said.  “The findings of the research may present a new mode of treatment for people with Parkinson’s in improving their physical function and well-being.”

Dance for Parkinson’s Queensland participant Madonna Brady said, “Besides stretching all the right places and moving to beautiful music, the Dance for Parkinsons Program has given us something priceless. New friendships, a sense of community, hope and broader horizons.”

For Parkinson’s advice and support contact Parkinson’s Queensland on 1800 644 189.

For more information about Dance for Parkinson’s go to http://www.queenslandballet.com.au/learn/fitness-and-wellbeing/dance-for-parkinson-s

Belinda Wilson has always had a strong interest in not for profit and the arts. Belinda started out delivering projects for not for profit organisation Octopod arts association in Newcastle. Since then, Belinda has worked in corporate communications for 10 years and is now enjoying working in the not for profit sector for Parkinson’s Queensland.  Belinda also runs her own freelance graphic design business. She has a Bachelor of Fine Art and a Diploma of Graphic Design.

Feature photo:  Erica Rose Jeffrey conducting a Dance for Parkinson’s class at Queensland Ballet

All photos courtesy of Parkinson’s Queensland and Queensland Ballet.