Movement for Multiple Sclerosis: A Multi-site Partnership for Practice and Research

Background. While dance programs for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have been developed globally over the past two decades, dance programs for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) are just emerging. This article introduces three dance for MS programs and a multi-site partnership that was developed to evaluate and advance a model for dance for MS programs.

Methods. The program partners convened over 2 days to share program models, consider current and planned program evaluations, and identify unique challenges and promising practices for delivering safe and effective dance for MS programs.

Results. A set of promising practices for dance for MS programs, including recommendations for partnership, dance and movement approaches, and environmental, physical and psychosocial considerations, was developed by the program partners.

Conclusions. These programs suggest that dance may be a useful modality for people with MS. Recommendations are offered to guide safe and evidence-based dance for MS practices.

Keywords.  dance, movement, multiple sclerosis, arts in health

Primary Author. Jill Sonke

Co-Authors. Julia Langley, Bethany Whiteside, Tirisham Gyang, Brooke Borgert, Keely Mason, Elizabeth Johnson, Deborah Riley, Catherine Cassidy, Gay Hanna, Carlos Sollero 

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Publication Citation. Sonke, J., Langley, J., Whiteside, B., Gyang, T., Borgert, B., Mason, K., ... & Sollero, C. (2020). Movement for multiple sclerosis: a multi-site partnership for practice and research. Arts & Health, 1-9. Vervloet Sollero, C. E., Mason, K., Borgert, B., Johnson, E., Sonke, J., Wilson, W., & Gyang, T. V. (2020). (PGM03) Dance for MS: A Structured Dance Program Targeted for Multiple Sclerosis Patients. International Journal of MS Care, 22.

Funding Source. Multiple Sclerosis Foundation

Photo Credit. Whitney DePortu