Effects of dance on balance in Parkinson’s disease: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate whether dance classes are effective in improving balance in people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), when compared to other groups with or without interventions, in Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs), through a Systematic Review with meta-analysis. A search was conducted in MEDLINE, LILACS, Cochrane, PEDro, PsycINFO and Google Scholar in April 2020. RCTs that analysed dance effects in comparison to other physical training types or to no intervention on balance of people with PD, were selected. Two independent reviewers selected the studies, extracted the data and conducted the risk of bias evaluation. Three studies were included, totalling 126 participants. Tango showed an improvement in the dynamic balance compared to non-intervention. Irish dance showed no improvement in balance. This study indicates that dance, more specifically tango, improves the dynamic balance of people with PD.