A Most Irish Solution… Could Set Dancing Be Therapy for Parkinson’s Sufferers?

We always knew the old hAon, Dó, Trí was good for you, but we had no idea just how good.  

An Italian Doctor’s chance discovery of the therapeutic effects of Irish Set Dancing in the treatment of Parkinson's disease will be the subject of an international Gathering event this Tuesday.

Dr Daniel Volpe, who is the Director of Neurological Rehabilitation at St. Raffaele Arcangelo Hospital in Venice, will present his research work confirming the benefits of set dancing in the rehabilitative therapy for people with Parkinson's disease.

Commenting on the background to Dr. Volpe’s research, event spokesperson Pat Hayes said: “During one of his regular visits to County Clare to play with his traditional Irish music band, Dr Volpe watched as a man he recognised as suffering from Parkinson’s disease walked into the room. Dr Volpe later watched in astonishment as the man who earlier had struggled to walk, took part in the festivities and set danced without any difficulty.” 

Could set-dancing work as a therapy for sufferers of Parkinson's disease?

Mr. Hayes added: “Afterwards, Dr Volpe, who works in developing physiotherapy for people with Parkinson’s disease, took it upon himself to learn a bit more about the reel step. He conducted a study that found Irish dancing does, indeed, have positive effects for those suffering from Parkinson’s disease.”

“There will be worldwide interest in this event given the links Dr Volpe has with the Physiotherapy Departments of two major universities in Ireland and Australia. We are delighted to be hosting this unique event and have no doubt that it will focus in on the value of Irish music and dance,” concluded Cllr. Hayes.

 

For more on The Therapeutic effects of Irish Set Dancing in the treatment of Parkinson's disease’ Gathering see http://www.feaklefestival.ie/conference.