RHYTHMIC-CUED DANCE INTERVENTIONS IN DANCE THERAPY FOR GAIT AND MOBILITY DEFICITS ACROSS NEURODEGENERATIVE DISORDERS

Oliwia Zynek; Julia Dobrowolska; Alicja Palus; Filip Kamyszek; Kornel Pawlak; Marcin Stępiński; Marta Krężołek; Mateusz Balicki; Paula Kaczmarczyk; Tomasz Arkuszyński

doi:10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5706

Authors

Oliwia Zynek Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5537-565X
Julia Dobrowolska Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9498-9521
Alicja Palus PRODENTAL Private Dental Clinic – Joanna Bronowska, Legionowo, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7462-6893
Filip Kamyszek Corten Dental Medical Center, Dental Clinic, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2767-8215
Kornel Pawlak Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6435-6587
Marcin Stępiński Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5878-6293
Marta Krężołek Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3646-5640
Mateusz Balicki Corten Dental Medical Center, Dental Clinic, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5066-9645
Paula Kaczmarczyk CITODENT Dental Center, Oława, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6099-5657
Tomasz Arkuszyński Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4894-361X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5706

Keywords:

Dance Therapy, Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation, Neurodegenerative Disorders, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Gait Disorders, Mobility, Neuroplasticity, Rhythmic Cueing, Motor Rehabilitation

Abstract

Background: Gait and mobility impairments such as postural instability and freezing of gait, represent significant clinical challenges across neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Huntington’s disease (HD), and dementia. Traditional rehabilitation often fails to address the complex integration of motor and cognitive domains. Rhythmic-cued dance interventions have emerged as a multifaceted approach, leveraging auditory-motor synchronization to bypass impaired neural circuits.

Objective: This review synthesizes evidence regarding the effectiveness of rhythmic-cued dance in improving gait and mobility across a spectrum of neurodegenerative conditions, exploring both clinical outcomes and underlying neurobiological mechanisms.

Methods: A systematic synthesis of literature published between 2015 and 2025 was conducted, focusing on randomized controlled trials and pilot studies involving structured dance genres and rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS).

Results: Analysis of 18 key papers indicates that rhythmic-cued dance leads to significant improvements in gait speed, stride length, and balance. In PD, interventions like Argentine Tango potentially reduce gait freezing by providing external temporal cues. In MS and HD, these programs are associated with enhanced postural control and functional endurance. The benefits are linked to neuroplastic changes, including the recruitment of the cerebello-thalamo-cortical network and the motivational effects of "groove." Recent evidence also suggests the feasibility of technology-assisted delivery models.

Conclusions: While rhythmic-cued dance is a safe and engaging adjunct to standard care, significant clinical heterogeneity necessitates further research into optimal dosing and long-term outcomes.

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