Medical Art Therapy Research Moves Forward: A Review of Clay Manipulation With Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract

This article explores research on clay manipulation art therapy for individuals with a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD). An overview of 3 phases of the authors’ previous research includes (a) comparison of people living with PD to control in a single individual setting, (b) investigation of negative psychological symptoms in a single individual setting, and (c) analysis of psychological symptoms in a 6-week group setting. Outcomes supported clay manipulation for individuals with PD, evidenced by decreased obsessive–compulsive thinking, depression, and phobic anxiety within all phases. Observed physiological changes in areas of resting tremors, gait, increased affect, and movement fluidity initiated a fourth phase of research on the interaction of sensory, kinesthetic, and neurological activity for patients living with PD.