# Savonia Article: The Effects of Dance and Music Therapy for Treating Parkinson’s Disease

> The main symptoms of PD are unintended or uncontrollable movements such as tremors. Also, stiffness, hypokinesia and balance and coordination problems are typical symptoms. Parkinson’s disease develops usually slowly during the years.

## Introduction
In February 2023, a Blended Intensive Program in Neurological rehabilitation was held, involving over 30 physiotherapy students and teachers from Savonia University of Applied Sciences (Finland), Charles University (Czech Republic), and the University of Thessaly (Greece). Students collaborated on articles covering stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease (PD), children with neurological disorders, spinal cord injury, and virtual reality in rehabilitation.

## Understanding Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease (PD) typically occurs between the ages of 50 and 70. It is caused by the death of dopaminergic neurons. Symptoms include:
*   **Motor symptoms:** Tremors (often in upper limbs), stiffness (rigidity), hypokinesia (slowness of motion), freezing of gait, shorter stride length, and balance/coordination issues.
*   **Progression:** Symptoms often start on one side before affecting both.

Research suggests that pleasurable experiences from music or exercise can activate the limbic system and increase dopamine release, which forms the basis for music and dance therapy.

## Regional Rehabilitation Approaches

### Finland
Physiotherapy is central to PD treatment, focusing on increasing mobility, reducing fall risks, and assisting with daily chores. Methods include:
*   Balance and walking training in various environments.
*   Guidance and counseling for functional ability.
*   Alleviating muscle stiffness via manual and physical means.
*   Pool therapy.
*   Integration of music and rhythmicity.

### Czech Republic
Treatment is multidisciplinary, involving neurologists, psychiatrists, speech therapists, ergotherapists, and physiotherapists. Approaches include:
*   Individual and group therapy.
*   Spa treatments (e.g., Karlovy Vary).
*   Specific techniques: Bobath concept, Vojta principle, sensorimotor stimulation, balneotherapy, hydrotherapy, and canistherapy.

### Greece
Rehabilitation focuses on functional integration and safety. Techniques include:
*   Stretching to manage rigidity.
*   Auditory cueing (rhythmic) to enhance gait performance, stride length, and velocity.
*   Visual cueing (e.g., colored tape on the floor) to reduce freezing of gait.
*   Balance training using one-leg stands or bosu-balls.

## Dance Therapy
Dance is a creative, tailored intervention that helps address both motor and non-motor symptoms.
*   **Motor benefits:** Improved dynamic balance (specifically tango and ballroom dancing), increased walking speed, longer stride length, and reduced gait fatigue.
*   **Coordination:** Participation in ballroom/Latin dance programs has shown improvements in axial and perpendicular body segment coordination.
*   **Mental health:** Dance can reduce feelings of depression and apathy and improve quality of life (QoL).

## Music-Based Movement Therapy
Music-based therapy is increasingly used due to its enjoyable nature and positive impact on motor function, balance, gait, and mental health.
*   **Stability:** Patients show better stability when performing music therapy with eyes closed, likely due to improved proprioception.
*   **Gait:** Familiar songs are associated with faster gait velocity compared to unfamiliar music.
*   **Well-being:** Musical experience is linked to stress reduction and improved well-being.

## Authors
*   **Sonja Haukka**, Physiotherapy student, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Kuopio, Finland
*   **Pavlína Beranová**, Physiotherapy student, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Czech Republic
*   **Markéta Mentzlová**, Physiotherapy student, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Czech Republic
*   **Sanni Viitanen**, Physiotherapy student, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Kuopio, Finland
*   **Thalia Zogka**, Physiotherapy student, Department School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Greece
*   **Dr. Marja Äijö**, PhD, Principal lecturer of gerontology and rehabilitation, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Kuopio, Finland
*   **Dr. Kamila Řasová**, Ph.D., Associative professor of Physiotherapy, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Czech Republic
*   **Dr. Thomas Besios**, Assistant Professor, Department School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Greece

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