Characterizing Dance-related Physical Activity Behaviors Among Adults Living With Parkinson's Disease for Automated Analyses of Energy Expenditure
Northeastern University
Summary
The first purpose of the study is to develop and test new methods for quantifying dance among adults with a diagnosis of Parkinson's using various kinds of cameras, wearable activity monitors, and questionnaires. The second reason we are conducting the study is to better understand the relationship between the intensity of dance classes specifically designed for adults with Parkinson's and individual-level factors like the kinds of routine activities one does beyond dancing and one's health status. Participants in the study may be asked to engage in any of the following activities: * complete a small number of assessments on their physical and cognitive functioning * complete their routine group-based dance classes, specifically designed for adults with a diagnosis of Parkinson's, while being recorded Depending upon the group that a participant joins, one may also be asked to: * wear an activity monitor on their waist while engaged in their daily business as usual for nine (9) days * complete an iDXA scan * describe their perceptions on how the use of technology can integrated into their dancing
Description
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects an estimated 1 million people in the United States, with the onset of symptoms typically occurring after the age of 50 years old. Adults living with PD experience motor impairments such as postural and gait instability, resting tremor, bradykinesia, and muscular rigidity; cognitive impairment, with an estimated 40% of individuals with PD presenting symptoms of at least mild cognitive impairment; and depression. Furthermore, PD symptom severity is known to increase with age.5 Research has shown that exposures to physical acti…