Multinetwork Motor Learning as a Model for Dance in Neurorehabilitation.

Abstract

With expanding applications for dance in geriatrics, including rehabilitation and pre-habilitation of neurodegenerative conditions, an examination of how elements of dance may contribute to specific improvements is called for. "Dance" can refer to a vast number of diverse practices; dancing may be rehearsed or improvised, performed with or without music, and may include a wide variety of styles of movement and accompanying sounds; some dances, such as tango and other social dance forms, rely on a partner, while many folk and cultural forms are group-based; artistic and contemporary forms may consist of solo exploration/performance. Research on the impacts of dance-based interventions has spanned in many different varieties of dance, and often the specifics of dance interventions involved are sparsely provided. This paper offers a brief review of elements central to many dance forms that may contribute to rehabilitation, suggesting hypotheses for future research and training, examining how elements of dance may foster adaptive plasticity. Primary topics include motor learning, motor control, spatial navigation, action observation, and entrainment, with suggested future considerations as to how imagery, imagination, multisensory integration, mental rehearsal, volitional movement, and creativity in nonexpert populations contribute to a multinetwork toolbox that may be neuroprotective.