Effects of binary and quaternary rhythms on motor and non-motor symptoms of individuals with Parkinson's disease: protocol for a randomized trial (Preprint)

BACKGROUND People with Parkinson's disease constantly have low levels of physical activity, so dancing has become increasingly important for the treatment of the disease and can help improve balance, gait, reduce falls, and improve quality of life. However, there has been no research on the effects of binary and quaternary rhythms on the symptoms of people living with Parkinson's disease, so the study may provide a new treatment option for this population. OBJECTIVE To propose a 12-week protocol of binary and quaternary rhythms for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and to evaluate their effectiveness on motor (balance, gait, functional mobility), and non-motor symptoms (quality of life, sleep, sleepiness during daytime, fatigue) through a randomized clinical trial. METHODS Sixty individuals with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease, will be enrolled in the study. The participants will be allocated to either the intervention arm (binary rhythm (dance) or quaternary rhythm (dance) 2x/week for 12 weeks). The binary and quaternary rhythm dance classes will be divided into three stages: warm-up and stretching; the main stage and relaxation. Measurements of study outcomes will take place at baseline and post-intervention. RESULTS The primary outcome is balance measured by a balance test score (Mini-Bestest). Secondary outcomes include gait, functional mobility, quality of life, sleep, sleepiness during daytime and fatigue. CONCLUSIONS Considering the high prevalence of individuals with Parkinson's disease, implementing a specific protocol for binary and quaternary rhythms is important considering the need to improve the quality of life, motor and non-motor symptoms of your life. The study will provide critical information on the efficacy and effects of binary-rhythm interventions on motor and non-motor symptoms of individuals with Parkinson's disease in order to help guide and plan future studies. This is an innovative protocol, being an important tool for the reduction of motor and non-motor symptoms in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. CLINICALTRIAL The trial was registered on Clinical Trials number: NCT03235453.