Dancing for Parkinson's Disease Online: Clinical Trial Process Evaluation

Maintaining Active Lifestyle Through Pickleball: A Qualitative Exploration of Older Pickleball Players

This study aimed to explore the experiences of older adults engaged in pickleball. In particular, we collected views from the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) ambassadors to identify how their experiences facilitate successful aging. A qualitative case study was utilized to obtain naturalistic data. Purposive sampling was used to recruit a total of 15 USAPA ambassadors, all of whom were interviewed in person. Data were analyzed using interpretive thematic analysis, and four overarching themes were generated: (a) a new way to stay active, (b) pickleball is social, (c) an intergenerational pastime, and (d) reestablishing an identity through pickleball. The findings support the view that engaging in pickleball is a promising means of achieving a healthy life as a senior citizen. The participants maintained a physically and mentally active lifestyle through pickleball, and their commitment to this sport led to their engagement as ambassadors in their communities.

If Art Were a Drug: Implications for Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and complex neurodegenerative disorder. Conventional pharmacological or surgical therapies alone are often insufficient at adequately alleviating disability. Moreover, there is an increasing shift toward person-centered care, emphasizing the concept of "living well". In this context, arts-based interventions offer great promise, functioning as platforms for creative expression that could provide novel mechanisms to promote quality of life. Here we present a qualitative review of arts-based interventions for PD, including music, dance, drama, visual arts, and creative writing. For each, we discuss their applications to PD, proposed mechanisms, evidence from prior studies, and upcoming research. We also provide examples of community-based projects. Studies to date have had relatively small sample sizes, but their findings suggest that arts-based interventions have the potential to reduce motor and non-motor symptoms. They may also empower people with PD and thereby address issues of self-esteem, foster personal problem-solving, and augment holistic well-being. However, there is a paucity of research determining optimal dosage and symptom-specific benefits of these therapies. If art were a drug, we would have to perform appropriately powered studies to provide these data before incorporating it into routine patient care. We therefore call for further research with properly designed studies to offer more rigorous and evidence-based support for what we intuitively think is a highly promising approach to support individuals living with PD. Given the possible positive impact on people's lives, arts-based approaches merit further development and, if proven to be effective, systematic inclusion within integrated management plans.

The Role of Physical Activity in Adjunctive Nursing Management of Neuro-Degenerative Diseases among Older Adults: A Systematic Review of Interventional Studies

Neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Parkinson's disease pose significant challenges to older adults globally. While pharmacological treatments remain primary, increasing evidence supports the role of non-pharmacological strategies like physical activity in managing these conditions. This systematic review critically evaluates the effectiveness of Nursing based physical activity interventions in improving cognitive function, physical functioning, mobility, and overall quality of life among older adults with neurodegenerative diseases. We conducted a comprehensive search across PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and other relevant databases, focusing on randomized controlled trials and observational studies that examined the impact of structured physical activity. Our findings from nineteen studies involving 1673 participants indicate that interventions ranging from aerobic exercises, resistance training, to mind-body exercises like Tai Chi and yoga have beneficial effects. Specifically, physical activity was consistently found to enhance cognitive performance, increase mobility, and improve balance and daily living activities, contributing to a better quality of life. However, these benefits vary depending on the type, intensity, and duration of the activity performed. Despite promising results, limitations such as small sample sizes, study heterogeneity, and short-term follow-up periods call for more robust, long-term studies to solidify these findings. This review underscores the potential of tailored physical activity programs as adjunctive therapy in the comprehensive management of neurodegenerative diseases among the elderly population.

Experiences of people living with Parkinson's disease and key stakeholders in dance-based programs: a systematic review and meta-ethnography

PURPOSE

To identify and synthesize qualitative literature on the experiences of participants and key stakeholders in dance programs for people living with Parkinson's disease. Synthesizing the available literature can generate new insights into participant experience to inform current and future programs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Qualitative and mixed methods studies were identified via a systematic search of six databases: CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, PsycInfo, and MEDLINE. Articles were synthesized using the meta-ethnographic method developed by Noblit and Hare (1988). Key concepts across studies were related via reciprocal translation, ultimately forming a line-of-argument synthesis.

RESULTS

26 articles met the inclusion criteria. Four interrelated, overarching themes were developed: (1) dance communities provide peer support and insight into living with Parkinson's, (2) feeling safe, accepted, and included in the dance experience, (3) overcoming dance-based challenges contributes to sense of achievement, confidence, and connectedness, and (4) dance participation is an opportunity to re-imagine oneself.

CONCLUSION

Participant experience is shaped by the instructor-participant relationship, the social environment of classes, and class difficulty level. In order to support participant experience, classes should be safe, supportive, and have an appropriate challenge-skill balance. These qualities facilitate creative immersion and the potential for personal and collective change.

ParkinSong Online: Feasibility of Telehealth Delivery and Remote Data Collection for a Therapeutic Group Singing Study in Parkinson's

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease can negatively affect vocal functioning and social wellbeing, particularly in the latter stages of disease progression. Face-to-face group singing interventions can improve communication and wellbeing outcomes, yet not all people can access in-person sessions. To help overcome barriers to participation, exploration of the feasibility and utility of online therapeutic singing programs is needed.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a 12-week ParkinSong Online intervention on speech and wellbeing for people with Parkinson's disease.

METHODS

A total of 28 participants with idiopathic Parkinson's disease were recruited to a single-arm feasibility study. Weekly 90-minute online sessions were co-facilitated by a music therapist and speech pathologist. Speech and wellbeing assessments were conducted pre and post intervention. Participant and facilitator surveys were administered after each session, with focus group interviews at the end of the program.

RESULTS

The recruitment rate was high (90%) with no attrition, adverse events, or safety issues. There was good intervention fidelity, attendance (average 89%), and positive participant experience. Feasibility was good, with technology reported as the main challenge (connecting and navigating Zoom). No improvements were seen in voice measures or wellbeing outcomes in this small trial. The online format used in this study did not provide the same benefits as in-person ParkinSong sessions.

CONCLUSIONS

ParkinSong Online is feasible for recreational purposes and social engagement provided that people have adequate technological knowledge or support. The optimal online delivery format to achieve communication improvements in Parkinson's awaits confirmation.