OBJECTIVES: (1) To appraise and synthesis the literature on dance interventions for individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD), (2) to provide information regarding the frequency, intensity, duration and type of dance used in these programmes, (3) to inform the development of future studies evaluating dance interventions in this population. DATA SOURCES: Eight databases (Medline, CINAHL, AMED, SPORTDiscus, PubMed, PubMed Central, Sage and ScienceDirect) were electronically searched in April 2014. The references lists from the included articles were also searched. STUDY SELECTION: Studies retrieved during the literature search were reviewed by two reviewers independently. Suitable articles were identified by applying inclusion criteria. DATA EXTRACTION: Data regarding participants and the frequency, intensity, duration and type of dance implemented was extracted. The effect each dance programme had on defined outcomes and the feasibility of each programme was also reviewed. DATA SYNTHESIS: Thirteen articles were identified. The quality of studies varied and methodological limitations were evident in some. The evidence evaluated suggests two, one hour dance classes per week over ten to thirteen weeks may have beneficial effects on endurance, motor impairment and balance. CONCLUSIONS: Dance may be helpful for some people with PD. This paper provides preliminary information to aid clinicians when implementing dance programmes for people with PD. Higher quality multi-centered studies are needed to determine the effect of other dance genres and the optimal therapy volume and intensity.

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