An adapted dance program for children with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: An exploratory study

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a rare hereditary peripheral neuropathy. Its sensorimotor clinical manifestations are heterogeneous, and it might also influence cognitive functions. Physical activity is recommended for adults with CMT, however there is a lack of studies focusing on the effects of physical activity in children with CMT. Dance practice is beneficial for motor and cognitive functions. Adapted dance is interesting for children with CMT because it could address the functional deficits. To evaluate the feasibility of an adapted dance program and to explore its effects on motor and cognitive functions in children with CMT. Five children with CMT followed a 10-week dance program added to regular care, while four others received only regular care. Feasibility of the program was assessed by participation and retention rates. Motor (CMT clinical characteristics, muscular force and power, postural control, pain) and cognitive (rhythm task, sustained attention, short term memory) abilities were evaluated before and after the program. The high participation and retention rates (89% and 100%) suggest that a dance program is feasible in children with CMT. Significant benefits were noted for both motor (CMT clinical characteristics, strength of leg muscle groups, pain during physical activity) and cognitive (rhythm task, attention) functions for the dance group. The results suggest that an adapted dance program is feasible and can have beneficial effects on motor and cognitive functions of children with CMT. Dance appears as a new approach adapted for these children. Further research is needed to confirm these results.