Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a multi-factorial disease that affects various aspects, including motor and non-motor behaviours such as mood, cognition, behaviour and quality of life. There is some evidence suggesting that therapies such as music, dance and meditation help in reducing the progression of Parkinson’s disease. However, previous studies have focused more on the motor aspects of the disease than on the non-motor aspects.  There have been no studies, comprehensively investigating the benefit of dance/music and meditation on the quality of life of PD patients or the caretakers. There is also paucity in literature to assess the effect of dance/music and meditation in an Indian setup.

Aims: The primary aim is to study the impact of dance/music and meditation on mild and moderate Parkinson’s disease progression and quality of life. The secondary aims of the project include detecting the impact of the therapy on cognition, mood and behaviour. The impact on the quality of life of the caretaker will also be assessed.

Methodology: This is a prospective randomized controlled pilot study with 32 patients with Parkinson’s disease of mild and moderate severity, of which 16 are randomized into intervention and reference group each. The patients will be enrolled to take part in three weekly sessions of dance/music and meditation for 6 months. Off this, one session will take place in person weekly. The patients will choose a modality from dance and music, while all the patients will take part in 15 minutes sessions of mindfulness meditation for 6 days every week. Within dance and music, the patients will be given options to choose an activity of their interest. In dance, the patients will be given the option of choosing from Bhangra, Bollywood and Garba. In music, the patients will be given the option of auditory stimulation, singing and playing a musical instrument. 

Expected results: It is expected that the patients will show a change in motor aspects such as change in gait and balance. It is also expected that there will be an impact on the quality of life, mood, cognition and behaviour of the patients. A change in quality of life of care-givers is also expected.

Evaluation: This study will be different to the prior studies that have been conducted as none of the prior studies took into consideration the effect of all the three modalities on quality of life, mood, cognition and behaviour. Furthermore, it is one of the few studies giving a choice to the patients in the form of the modality they will perform. This will ensure that the participants enjoy the study. However, the study might be subject to some limitations such as motor and non-motor disabilities as a result of Parkinson’s disease which might hinder the participant from performing in the activities. Additionally, the results might be confounded by factors such as medication taken by the patient. 

Implications and Significance: So far there has not been any medical or surgical management strategy for Parkinson’s disease, that has shown neuroprotective effect. Some of the similar studies have shown that these therapies may have neuroprotective effect. If this study also confirms the same and shows the impact on QOL of patient and caretaker, it will have far reaching implication in the way we manage Parkinson’s disease.