Dance for Parkinson, multifaceted experiences of persons living with Parkinson's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Dance classes for people with Parkinson's Disease (PD) are offered worldwide; however, further studies are needed to explore patients' experiences of how dance affects well-being. PURPOSE: To explore how Dance for Parkinson (Dance for PD) is experienced, and how it contributes to the well-being and health of participants in Sweden. METHODS: This qualitative study collected data from four focus groups. Participants were asked how dance classes impacted their well-being, and their ability to perform activities of daily life. The focus groups were recorded and transcribed. Data were analysed using content analysis, meaning units were coded, and codes were coalesced into categories from which themes were abstracted. RESULTS: Dance for PD provided a multifaceted experience related to social relationships, aesthetic context, feelings of wellbeing and the physical experience of dancing. The main theme contained four sub-themes: Connectedness, Pleasure and glamour, Well-being in mind and body and Customized movements. CONCLUSION: The present study highlights that health and well-being are improved by Dance for PD. It is an enjoyable activity that meets the specific needs of persons living with the consequences of PD and should therefore be promoted by occupational therapists.

4C Mortality Score correlates with in-hospital functional outcome after COVID-19-associated ischaemic stroke.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The 4C Mortality Score was created to predict mortality in hospitalised patients with COVID-19 and has to date been evaluated only in respiratory system disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate its application in patients with COVID-19-associated acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). CLINICAL RATIONALE FOR STUDY: COVID-19 is a risk factor for AIS. COVID-19-associated AIS results in higher mortality and worse functional outcome. Predictors of functional outcome in COVID-19-associated AIS are required. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study of patients with AIS hospitalised in seven neurological wards in Malopolska Voivodship (Poland) between August and December 2020. We gathered data concerning the patients' age, sex, presence of cardiovascular risk factors, type of treatment received, and the presence of stroke-associated infections (including pneumonia, urinary tract infection and infection of unknown source). We calculated 4C Mortality Score at stroke onset, and investigated whether there was a correlation with neurological deficit measured using the National Health Institute Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and functional outcome assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge. RESULTS: The study included 52 patients with COVID-19-associated AIS. The 4C Mortality Score at stroke onset correlated with mRS (rs = 0.565, p < 0.01) at discharge. There was also a statistically significant difference in the mean 4C Mortality Score between patients who died and patients who survived the stroke (13.08 ± 2.71 vs. 9.85 ± 3.47, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: 4C Mortality Score predicts functional outcome at discharge in COVID-19-associated AIS patients.