The Effect of Dance and Exercise to Music on Mood in Those with Parkinson's Disease

Abstract

The aim of this thesis was to investigate the effect of dance and exercise to music on mood in those with Parkinson’s disease (PD). A series of five studies were conducted in order to explore whether there are physical and psychological benefits of dance and exercise to music for those with PD. This programme of research collected data in a variety of ways, over a number of weeks (study one – 10 weeks), through survey data (study two) and in peoples own homes (study three, four and five). These studies have focused on the effect of these activities on mood and as the programme of research developed, the role of socialisation became a key factor. These studies have concluded that mood is significantly improved following dance and movement to music, but that this may be moderated by social interaction. Mood effects observed during a social dance class initially appeared to be comparable to 30 minutes of exercise to music at home. This suggests that music and movement without the social aspect of a class could also evoke an improvement in mood. After further investigation, however, it appeared that mood may have been affected by the presence of the researcher as a social factor. Overall, this programme of research has suggested that dance and music to movement is a beneficial form of activity but that the social aspect of this is imperative to have an effect on mood.