Exploring Dance as a Therapeutic Approach for Parkinson Disease Through the Social Robotics for Active and Healthy Ageing (SI-Robotics): Results From a Technical Feasibility Study

Background: Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms. Recently, dance has started to be considered an effective intervention for people with PD. Several findings in the literature emphasize the necessity for deeper exploration into the synergistic impacts of dance therapy and exergaming for PD management. Moreover, socially engaging robotic platforms equipped with advanced interaction and perception features offer potential for monitoring patients' posture and enhancing workout routines with tailored cues.

Objective: This paper presents the results of the Social Robotics for Active and Healthy Ageing (SI-Robotics) project, aimed at designing an innovative rehabilitation program targeted at seniors affected by (early-stage) PD. This study therefore aims to assess the usefulness of a dance-based rehabilitation program enriched by artificial intelligence-based exergames and contextual robotic assistance in improving motor function, balance, gait, and quality of life in patients with PD. The acceptability of the system is also investigated.

Methods: The study is designed as a technical feasibility pilot to test the SI-Robotics system. For this study, 20 patients with PD were recruited. A total of 16 Irish dance-based rehabilitation sessions of 50 minutes were conducted (2 sessions per week, for 8 wks), involving 2 patients at a time. The designed rehabilitation session involves three main actors: (1) a therapist, (2) a patient, and (3) a socially interacting robot. To stimulate engagement, sessions were organized in the shape of exergames where an avatar shows patients the movements they should perform to correctly carry out a dance-based rehabilitation exercise.

Results: Statistical analysis reveals a significant difference on the Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment scale, both on balance and gait aspects, together with improvements in Short Physical Performance Battery, Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale-III, and Timed Up and Go test, underlying the usefulness of the rehabilitation intervention on the motor symptoms of PD. The analysis of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology subscales provided valuable insights into users' perceptions and interactions with the system.

Conclusions: This research underscores the promise of merging dance therapy with interactive exergaming on a robotic platform as an innovative strategy to enhance motor function, balance, gait, and overall quality of life for patients grappling with PD.