A Pilot Study: examining the effects and tolerability of structured dance intervention for individuals with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Although structured dance has reported benefits in elderly populations and in individuals with cardiovascular and neurological impairments, there is virtually nothing known regarding dance in the MS population. This pilot salsa dance study shows that structured dance demonstrates promise of being well-tolerated, safe and effective at promoting physical activity in people with MS without increased fatigue. A 12-week study has been initiated to test the robustness of initial observations and further examine factors influencing participants' physical activity adherence and behavioral change.

Important considerations for feasibility studies in physical activity research involving persons with multiple sclerosis: a scoping systematic review and case study

“…In Project GEMS, the only identified barrier to participation was from potential participants unable to commit time. Compliance with the intervention was demonstrated in 13 studies via participant attendance at intervention sessions [35, 37–40, 42–47, 50, 52, 58], and in our case study, we also reported compliance via the number of completed exercise sessions. Participants reaction to outcome assessments were identified in 2 studies [49, 56], and issues identified included participants being unable to complete walking-based outcome assessments.…”

“…The words feasibility and pilot were used in the title of 6 [35, 37, 47, 48, 51, 52] and 8 [7, 34, 39–42, 44, 51] studies, respectively, and 23 [7, 35–54, 57] studies indexed the word feasibility in the abstract, and 7 [7, 35, 40–43, 48] studies included pilot in the abstract. One [35] study included feasibility in the key words, and one [52] study included pilot in the key words.…”

“…The retention of participants in the studies was reported in 17 studies [7, 35, 37–40, 43–48, 50–52, 55, 58], and some studies discussed participant attrition. Reasons for study attrition included the following: aspects of the intervention, changes in time commitments, unable to travel, MS relapse, other medical issues, non-compliance with the study protocol and lost contact [35, 37, 45].…”

“…participant transportation problems)Barriers identified: unable to travel [45, 46]; a change in personal time commitments [35, 51, 58]; MS relapse [52]; and other medical issues [7, 43, 45, 58]10% of interested parties chose not to participate; unable to commit timeDemonstrate compliance with study protocol [23, 24] a (e.g. do participants adhere to correct dosage of intervention sessions)Recorded via attendance at intervention [35, 37–40, 42–47, 50, 52, 58]; participant self-completed activity diaries [35, 37, 45–47]75% of intervention participants were fully compliant with exercise sessionsDemonstrate participants reaction to data collection and outcome assessments [23, 24] a (e.g. participants understanding of data collection tools)Compliance problems identified: participants unable to complete walking tasks [57]; general difficulties with assessment procedures [37]Time to complete outcome questionnaires: baseline, 40 min; follow-up 48 minEstimate access to/cost of equipment, space, personnel time [24] (e.g.…”

Therapeutic use of the Arts for Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

“…28 Statistically significant improvements were found from baseline to the end of the program on the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), Timed Up and Preliminary efficacy data showed improved self-efficacy, as well as physical and mental health-related quality of life, but the specific effects of the dance intervention cannot be teased out. 31 …”