Introduction: The interplay between neuroinflammation and Parkinson’s disease (PD) is still unclear, although several studies suggest that neuroinflammation plays an important role in the pathophysiological pathways of neurodegenerative disorders. Dance-based movement therapy has been studied as an adjuvant treatment for PD symptoms by modulating some inflammatory interleukins and improving the overall effect of pharmacological treatments. Objective: To evaluate the levels of Interleukin 4, Interleukin 1α, cortisol hormone, and blood cell total numbers in PD subjects undergoing dance-based movement therapy. Methods: Twenty-five participants were selected for this study. Seventeen subjects diagnosed with PD were divided into two groups: PD group (n=8) and PD+dance group (n=9). Another group was composed of age-matched healthy controls (n=8). The dance-based movement therapy was performed twice a week for 50-60 minutes/session over six months. Results: The serum IL-4 levels were significantly lower in the PD group when compared to the healthy group, while the PD+Dance group showed similar levels to the healthy group. The levels of IL-1α, cortisol, and blood cell count showed no statistical differences between groups. Conclusion: Our results suggest that regular practice of dance-based movement therapy may induce a neuroprotective effect by modulating the levels of IL-4 in people with PD similarly to healthy participants.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC RBR-3bhbrb5, UTN code: U1111-1275-6679)

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Ethical committee of the Federal University of Pará (CEP: 3.965.311/ CAAE: 27811119.4.0000.0018)

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