JIGS 'N' HEALS Irish dancing could be an effective treatment for people with Parkinson’s disease

By Pat Hagan

7th April 2017

Researchers found regular ‘set’ dance sessions involving Irish jigs and reels can help those with the condition

Michael Flatley performs during Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games

IRISH dancing could be an unlikely new treatment for thousands of people who suffer form Parkinson’s disease.

Researchers found regular ‘set’ dance sessions involving Irish jigs and reels can help those with the condition.

rish set dancing pairs typically make up groups of four or six, which move around each other on the floor, often following instructions from a caller.

A study by the University of Limerick showed 90 minutes a week of dancing for ten weeks boosted patients’ quality of life. As well as helping their psychological well-being, it made them fitter.

Recruits performed better than non-dancers on a test designed to see how far and fast they could walk in six minutes.

Parkinson’s is an incurable condition affecting 12,000 in Ireland.

It develops when certain brain cells stop producing enough of the chemical dopamine, so everyday activities are very difficult.

Comedian Billy Connolly was diagnosed with the illness in 2013, while other famous sufferers include boxing great Muhammad Ali, who died last year.

Studies have shown other types of dancing such as the tango can also help Parkinson’s patients.

Irish dancing has enjoyed renewed popularity in recent years, largely due to the success of such stage shows as Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance.

In a report in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, researchers said: “For people with mild to moderately severe Parkinson’s disease, Irish set dancing is feasible and enjoyable and may improve quality of life.”

https://www.thesun.ie/living/837953/irish-dancing-could-be-an-effective-treatment-for-people-with-parkinsons-disease/