Castanhal

Researchers are evaluating the effects of a 12-week Amazonian dance program on cognitive and motor symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). This randomized controlled trial involves adults aged 50 to 80 years diagnosed with idiopathic PD at stages I to III on the Hoehn & Yahr Scale, all under stable medication for at least one year. The study compares outcomes between participants in the dance intervention and those in a control intervention focused on general well-being and physical activity. Participants in the Amazonian Dance groups will attend two one-hour dance sessions per week for 12 weeks, totaling 24 sessions. These sessions include warm-up, balance and coordination exercises, movement practices inspired by Lundum and Carimbó dances, choreographic improvisation, and relaxation activities. Control group participants will receive structured non-dance sessions related to well-being without dance training over the same period. The study takes place at two university sites in Brazil. During the study, participants will undergo cognitive assessments including MoCA and Stroop tests to measure changes from baseline at 3 months, as well as evaluations of language, mood, quality of life, mobility, fear of falling, and freezing of gait. Data will also be collected on dance experience and clinical information. Adherence will be monitored, and statistical analyses will assess differences between groups over time with safety and efficacy evaluated throughout the 12-week intervention.