Exploring dance and energy use in adults with Parkinson's

Characterizing Dance-related Physical Activity Behaviors Among Adults Living With Parkinson's Disease for Automated Analyses of Energy Expenditure

Not applicable Interventional Northeastern University · NCT06425731

This study is testing how different dance classes can improve the health and daily activities of adults with Parkinson's disease by using cameras and monitors to track their movement and energy use.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorNortheastern University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT06425731 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to develop and test new methods for measuring dance activities among adults diagnosed with Parkinson's disease using various cameras, wearable monitors, and questionnaires. It seeks to understand how the intensity of specially designed dance classes affects individuals' overall health and daily activities. Participants will engage in dance classes while their physical and cognitive functioning is assessed, and some may wear activity monitors for nine days to track their routine activities. The goal is to quantify the relationship between dance and health outcomes in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-85 with a confirmed diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease at Hoehn and Yahr stage 3 or lower who are currently enrolled in Dance for PD® classes.

Not a fit: Patients with severe Parkinson's symptoms (Hoehn and Yahr stage >3), other neurological conditions, or contraindications to exercise may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the understanding of how dance can improve health and quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes for dance as a form of physical activity in improving motor and cognitive functions in individuals with Parkinson's, suggesting this approach has potential.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults (18-85 years old)
* Diagnosis of idiopathic PD (as confirmed by a neurologist), who are at a Hoehn and Yahr stage \<=3 (i.e., physically independent, some postural instability, mild to moderate bilateral involvement or less severe symptoms; Bhidayasiri et al., 2012), and who are
* enrolled in Dance for PD® classes at the time of recruitment as a participant

Exclusion Criteria:

* Adults with a score of \>3 on the Hoehn \& Yahr scale (i.e., those presenting with severely disabling disease, but still able to walk or stand unassisted or those who are confined to a bed or wheelchair unless aided; Bhidayasiri et al., 2012)
* history of a prior neurological condition that is not PD, including epilepsy
* pregnant or trying to become pregnant
* those with contraindications to exercise as determined by the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone (PARQ+)
* currently smoke cigarettes or use tobacco products
* have a pacemaker or other implanted medical device
* have been hospitalized due to a psychological disorder within the last 5 years
* have a respiratory disease (including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease- COPD, asthma, pulmonary high blood pressure)
* have a metabolic condition (including type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or liver problems)
* have a kidney condition, a heart condition, history of stroke or cancer
* experienced a blackout, fainted, or lost consciousness as a result of a head injury or had diagnosed concussion within the last 12 months
* take a medication that affects cardiovascular responses to exercise
* prospective participants with a diagnosis of PD who score \< 17 on the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-30)
* currently residing outside of the United States

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Parkinson Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.