Trance processes are a form of altered states of consciousness (ASC) widely reported across cultures. Entering these states is often linked to auditory stimuli such as singing, chanting, or rhythmic drumming. While scientific research into this phenomenon is relatively nascent, there is emerging interest in investigating the neural correlates of altered states of consciousness such as trance. This report aims to add to this field of ASC through exploring how the perception of an experienced Sangoma (traditional South African healer) entering a trance process correlates to blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal modulation with auditory stimuli. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) data were analyzed using a General Linear Model comparing music versus no music condition multiplied by the percept of experiencing trance (High or Low). Positive BOLD activation was shown in the auditory cortex in both hemispheres during a trance process. Other brain regions tightly correlated to trance perception were the right parietal, right frontal, and area prostriata (p < 0.05, Bonferroni corrected). The orbitofrontal cortex (part of the Default Mode Network) was negatively activated and most correlated with music when trance was high, showing the largest differential between high and low trance perception. This is the first study to directly correlate BOLD signal variations in an expert subject’s percept of trance onset and intensity, providing insight into the neural signature and dynamics of this unique form of ASC. Future studies should examine in greater detail the perception of trance processes in expert subjects, adding other neuroimaging modalities to further investigate how these brain regions are modulated by trance expertise.

Background: Dance has emerged as a complementary treatment that may promote adaptive neural plasticity while improving symptoms of Parkinson disease (PD), such as balance, gait, posture, and walking. Understanding brain changes that arise from participation in dance interventions is important as these neural plastic changes play an important role in protecting and healing the brain. Although dance has been shown to improve PD motor and nonmotor symptoms, the neural mechanisms underlying these changes, specifically depression and mood, remain elusive. Further, many side effects of PD drug treatments can be exacerbated or even induced by dopaminergic drugs, particularly depression and anxiety, making these nonmotor symptoms more noticeable throughout the progression of the disease. Objective: In this study, we focused on the impact of dance interventions on PD nonmotor symptoms by conducting an 8-month observational study, tracking the relationship between depression scores and functional neuroimaging measures for people with PD. Methods: A total of 34 dancers—23 (68%) people with PD and 11 (32%) healthy controls—completed the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) before and after attending weekly community-based dance classes, referred to as Dance for PD classes. Specifically, we examined changes within the functional magnetic resonance imaging signal from the subcallosal cingulate gyrus (SCG), an important node within the depression network and a controversial target for deep brain stimulation in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Results: Depression scores on the GDS decreased in each preintervention to postintervention comparison (all P<.025). In addition, GDS scores also improved over the 8-month dance period (all P<.01). Blood oxygen level–dependent signals from frontal cortex brain region implicated for emotional regulation within the SCG decreased at each testing time point (all P<.05). Also, a significant decrease in depression scores (GDS) was correlated with reduced blood oxygen level–dependent signals from the SCG (P=.02). Conclusions: This study contributes to an improved understanding of the neural mechanisms that are involved in depression, as well as the beneficial contribution that longitudinal dance interventions have in reducing nonmotor symptoms associated with PD, particularly in depression symptoms.

Collaborations that employ methods from arts and sciences to address research questions through multimodal study design are becoming more frequent, as it is increasingly apparent that complex challenges require transdisciplinary solutions. These different modalities rely on interdisciplinary exchange while involving unique expertise in associated delivery practices. In human subject driven scientific research specifically, guidelines for arts-based interventions deserve detailed reporting to allow for fidelity, replicability, and uptake of innovation and results. Details such as frequency, duration, delivery method, expected outcomes, historical precedence, and instructor training are crucial, along with nuanced descriptions pertaining to embodied aspects of specific dance or movement style(s) and adaptations made for the population or study design. This Perspective Paper outlines the current state and challenges of reporting on dance interventions and makes recommendations based on our experience as teaching artists who work in research settings alongside researchers who collaborate with dance professionals.

Loss of social supports and community programs due to lockdowns and other measures associated with COVID-19 has been linked to concerns over mental health and feelings of isolation. These challenges can be particularly acute for the elderly and people living with chronic or pervasive health conditions. Dance for PD, a program specifically developed for people living with Parkinson’s Disease, formerly offered in hundreds of locations around the globe, either halted or shifted to a virtual format. Our study investigates the transition of these dance-based programs to an online environment, with the aim of determining the extent to which a virtual format provides affective support or other benefits. Given the increased incidence of mental health problems and social isolation associated with COVID-19, this investigation aims to contribute to the development of better supports for vulnerable populations while helping us understand the specific contributions of dance-based programs in a virtual environment.