Duncan 2012.
Methods | Parallel group design. Online random number generator used to perform group allocations. Data analysed on an intention‐to‐treat basis. Treated as outpatients for 104 hours over 12 months. Assessed at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Assessor was blinded. |
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Participants | 32 participants in the dance group and 30 participants in the control group were analysed. 6 dropouts in dance group, 4 in control group. Participants mean age 70.6 years (dance), 69.2 (control). Mean Hoehn and Yahr stage 2.6 (dance), 2.5 (control). Male/female ratio 19/13 (dance), 16/14 (control). Duration of condition 5.4 years (dance), 6.9 (control). Inclusion criteria: Clinically defined 'definite PD.' Exclusion criteria: serious medical condition, evidence of abnormality other than PD‐related changes on brain imaging (previously done for clinical evaluations), history or evidence of musculoskeletal problem. |
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Interventions | Dance: tango class for 1 hour, twice weekly. Participants danced both leader and follower roles, changed partners frequently, and learned new steps and/or integrated previously learned steps in new ways at each class throughout the 12 months. Control: prescribed no exercise and told to go about living as usual. |
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Outcomes | MDS‐UPDRS‐III (primary). MDS‐UPDRS‐II & I. MiniBESTest balance test. Freezing of gait questionnaire. 6‐minute walk test Gait speed. Nine‐hole peg test. Participants were assessed while off medication (12‐hour withdrawal). |
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Notes | ||
Risk of bias | ||
Bias | Authors' judgement | Support for judgement |
Eligibility Criteria | Low risk | Eligibility criteria stated. |
Randomisation Method | Low risk | Online random number generator. |
Concealment of Allocation | High risk | Assigned by principal investigator using online random number generator. |
Similarity at Baseline | Low risk | Baseline characteristics similar between groups. |
Withdrawals Described | High risk | 16% withdrawals. |
Intention To Treat Analysis | Unclear risk | Last observation carried forward. |
Cointerventions Constant | Low risk | 12‐hour withdrawal before assessment. |
Blinded Assessors | Low risk | Assessor was blind to group allocation. |