Exploring patient and caregiver perceptions of music and dance sessions in Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that significantly impairs motor function, emotional well-being, and quality of life for both affected individuals and their caregivers. Although non-pharmacological interventions such as music and dance-based sessions have demonstrated benefits for motor symptoms and psychosocial outcomes, existing research has largely focused on clinical measures in patients, with limited attention to the subjective lived experiences of patient-caregiver dyads, particularly within the Maltese context. Aims: This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of Maltese adults with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers participating in music and dance-based sessions. The research specifically sought to examine shared experiences during and after sessions, perceived impacts on emotional well-being and social participation, aspects perceived as most meaningful or beneficial, and challenges or barriers encountered. Method: A qualitative approach was adopted utilising semi-structured dyadic interviews. These were recruited through purposive sampling via a Maltese NGO; Step-Up for Parkinson’s (SUFP).Participants met inclusion criteria of neurologist-diagnosed PD and attendance at a minimum of five sessions in the preceding 12 months. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim(with Maltese segments translated using dynamic equivalence), and analysed through thematic analysis. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Malta Research Ethics Committee, and principles of informed consent, confidentiality, and voluntary participation were strictly observed. Findings: Thematic analysis identified four main themes: (1) lived experiences of music anddance sessions, encompassing engagement with rhythmic movement and music, a family-like social atmosphere, fluctuating feelings before, during, and after sessions, and active group dynamics; (2) perceived impacts on well-being, including improvements in physical function (gait, balance, coordination, reduced stiffness), cognitive engagement, emotional well-being and confidence, and social-relational benefits; (3) challenges and barriers to participation, primarily physical symptoms and occasional session cancellations, which participants viewed as manageable; and (4) evaluation of session delivery, highlighting teacher professionalism, adaptability, and high overall satisfaction with minor recommendations for increased staffing and scheduling adjustments. Discussion: The findings corroborated international evidence on the physical, psychological, and social benefits of music and dance interventions while extending it through a dyadic, culturally contextualised Maltese perspective. When interpreted through the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement (CMOP-E), the results illustrated how these sessions function as meaningful leisure occupations that transact across person, occupation, and environment domains to support occupational performance and engagement. The study highlighted the value of including caregiver perspectives and recommended integration of such client-centred programmes into routine occupational therapy practice, alongside further longitudinal and mixed-methods research.