The Nutrigenome and Gut Microbiome: Chronic Disease Prevention with Crop Phytochemical Diversity

Abstract

Objective: Participation in ongoing community programs is critical for the functional success of persons with Parkinson's disease (PWP). Engaging in regular tango dance classes has been shown to improve symptoms specific to PD 1,2,3. However, such programs, such as tango, are difficult to maintain due to the transient nature of teaching commitments, volunteer availability, and space requirements. The physical therapy (PT) students at Northern Arizona University (NAU) have solved this dilemma. Methods: For the past three years, NAU PT students have been teaching weekly tango lessons to PWP. The novelty of this program is it's legacy, passed down from year to year. Not many PT students have prior tango or dance teaching experience. To accommodate for this, our tango program incorporates a lengthy mentoring protocol to assure that all involved have mastered the skills required to teach. The fall term begins with 2nd year PT students at the reins. Assistant volunteers are recruited from the 1st year class. This opportunity gives them exposure to the program at an introductory, no commitment-required level. As the spring term begins, 1st year volunteers are again recruited. Those students ready to commit to learning the dance and teaching the following year are folded into the weekly schedule. Now the assistants are encouraged to take a more participatory role, creating warm-up exercises or providing feedback to the dance participants. At mid-term, the roles reverse. The 2nd year PT students step back and assume the role of assistants and the 1st year students assume leadership, under the guidance and insight from the more senior class. Results: Tango for Parkinson's attracts approximately 5-6 regular participants with new dancers joining every semester. The continued success of this program relies on the strength of its instruction, its creative outlet, enthusiastic volunteerism and the sense of community it builds.