Understanding rhythm perception, production and entertainment in relation to dance for people with Parkinson’s disease

Studies have shown that music and dance-based interventions can be of benefit to some people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), but not all (see e.g. Benoit et al., 2014; Lewis et al., 2014; Nombela et al., 2013). Why might this be? Research investigating sensorimotor synchronisation (SMS) in people with PD have shown mixed results in terms of variability and accuracy in comparison to controls (see Jones & Jahanshahi, 2014 for review). Perhaps the timing mechanisms affected by PD in the basal ganglia also affect beat-based rhythm perception for some, as suggested by Grahn & Brett (2007; 2009).