Clinical Adaptation of a Novel Co-developed Music-and Movement based Intervention for People with Parkinson’s: A Mixed Methods Feasibility Study

Abstract

Introduction: Songlines for Parkinson’s is a group-based, music-and-movement intervention co-developed with people with Parkinson’s (PwP) and a multidisciplinary team of scientists and practitioners for use in community settings (Rose et al., 2025). Three trials have been conducted in Switzerland and the UK demonstrating its effects on motor and non-motor symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the application of Songlines within outpatient clinical settings in Switzerland (Köchli et al., 2025).

Methods: The Songlines program was adapted for two clinical settings to evaluate its feasibility and impact. Study 1 focused on program development and comparison with a Gentle Gym program, while Study 2 assessed its implementation in an independent clinic. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included motor outcomes (e.g., MDS-UPDRS, 6-Minute Walk) and non-motor outcomes (e.g., HADS, PDQ-8). Acceptability and participant experience were further explored through qualitative methods and the Theory-Informed Intervention Acceptability Questionnaire.

Results: In Study 1 (Gentle Gym n = 5; Songlines n = 6), mixed-effect models indicated post-intervention improvements in Romberg ratio (p = .021), reduced variability in stride length (p = .001), and increased stride velocity (p = .012) in both groups. In Study 2 (n = 6), Timed Up and Go performance (p = .042) and vividness of auditory imagery (p = .048) improved. Participants reported increased use of music for emotional regulation, and program acceptability was rated high (M = 4.5 [out of 5]).

Discussion/Conclusion: Together, these two studies provide converging evidence that Songlines is a promising, flexible, and highly engaging intervention that can be delivered in a group setting, yet individualized according to patient needs. The program improves balance, gait stability, functional mobility and subjective wellbeing. Future research should develop sustainable models to expand access to this non-pharmacological, group-based intervention.

References

Rose, C.D., Ungerer, M., Köchli, S., Paolantonio, P., Dinacci, D., Foletti, A., Molteni, D., Greenwood, A., Thomas, M., Truran, L., Annett, L. E., Karageorghis, C. I., Whyatt, C., Poliakoff, E., & Short, A. (2025). Songlines for Parkinson’s: The process of co-developing a new music-and-movement group-based intervention to improve mood and movement for Parkinson’s. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 24, Article 16094069251335453. https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069251335453

Köchli, S., Stadelmann, M., Senn, O., Paolantonio, P., Galati, S., Dinacci, D., Foletti, A., Trost, W., Bujan, B., Mylius, V., & Rose, C.D. (2025). Clinical adaptation of a novel co-developed music-and movement based intervention for people with Parkinson’s: A mixed methods feasibility study. Journal of Novel Physiotherapies, under review.