This research project hypothesizes an impairment of the integration of sensory information in Parkinson’s disease (PD). By 2030, the number of people living with PD is expected to double, becoming a major public health problem. PD is typically characterized by abnormal movements (tremor, gait disturbances, postural instability) and classically considered as the consequence of a dysfunction of motor control. However, clinical observation and new scientific results suggest a contribution from an impairment of the integration of sensory information in PD. A lack of sensory integration (e.g. audition, vision, tactile) leads to motor problems.
Dancing requires the ability to integrate diverse sensory inputs (vision, touch and auditory) into unified body movements. To enhance the sensory ability of PD patients, Study 2 will propose to use Tango, an activity linking natural motor behaviour and diverse sensory information. This study will compare the effects of a 12-week adapted-tango rehabilitation programme with classical physical therapy. Measures will consider the motor behaviour of PD patients while also investigating the impact of dance at neural level.
Overall, this project will transform fundamental knowledge into clinical application and will provide a better understanding of the underlying mechanism by which dance benefits people with PD.