Feasibility of an amazonian dance protocol for people with Parkinson's disease
iScience
iScience. 2025 Dec 10;29(1):114396. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.114396. eCollection 2026 Jan 16.
ABSTRACT
Dance is a promising non-pharmacological intervention for people with Parkinson's disease (PwP), enhancing mobility, balance, coordination, and cognition. However, the feasibility and safety of Amazonian dances have not yet been evaluated. This study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of the Amazonian Dance Protocol (ADp) for PwP in two Brazilian regions, North and South. Over 12 weeks, 24 PwP attended ADp sessions twice weekly. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, adherence, acceptability, and safety, assessed through questionnaires and interviews. The study reached an 89% enrollment rate, with high adherence (93.75%) and a low dropout rate (16.6%). Satisfaction levels were high (mean: 4.5/5), and 94% of participants would recommend the program. Reported benefits included improvements in motor function, emotional well-being, and social engagement, despite some coordination and balance challenges. One fall occurred, unrelated to the intervention. The ADp demonstrated strong feasibility and acceptance, supporting further research on its long-term effects and broader implementation.
