LATIN dance could be used to ease symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, according to a La Trobe University study.
Researchers from the university’s Bundoora campus are working with the University of Limerick in Ireland and St John of God Hospital in Venice to observe the effects of dancing in Parkinson’s sufferers.
Their collaboration, Dancing for Parkinson’s, began two years ago.
Project lead researcher Meg Morris started a trial on May 23 to look at the effects of Argentine tango classes on people with Parkinson’s who are otherwise healthy.
The trial will run for eight weeks on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Professor Morris said tango dancing allowed people with Parkinson’s to exercise without injury. “Parkinson’s patients respond to the rhythmic music,” she said. “Following trials in Melbourne last year we found Parkinson’s disease sufferers are unlocked by dance, and are able to move more freely.”
Anne Atkin, who has Parkinson’s disease, decided to take part in the trial to try a new form of exercise.
She said the tango dancing was “starting to make her feel normal”.
“I feel fitter,” she said. “When you do 2200 steps in an hour, you have to feel fitter.”
Ms Atkin said she tried to incorporate exercise into her daily routine – including lifting weights while watching television.
Researchers test the participants for balance, walking speed and general quality of life after each lesson.
