WEDNESDAY, Feb. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Not only is the tango a
dance of romance and passion, it also helps improve balance and
mobility in people with Parkinson's disease, a new study
suggests.
Researchers at the Washington University in St. Louis medical
school compared the effects of Argentine tango lessons and exercise
classes on the functional mobility of 19 Parkinson's patients. The
patients were randomly assigned to do 20 one-hour tango classes or
group strength and exercise sessions designed for Parkinson's
patients and the elderly.
All the patients were assessed prior to the start of these
activities and after they completed the sessions. The dance classes
included stretching, balance exercises, tango-style walking,
footwork patterns, experimenting of timing of steps, and dance with
and without a partner. The exercise classes included 40 minutes of
seated exercise, followed by standing exercises supported by a
chair, core strengthening and stretching.
By the end of the sessions, both groups showed significant
improvements in standard tests designed to measure mobility. People
in the tango group showed more improvement in balance than those in
the exercise group.
"Given these preliminary results, we think tango is feasible for
individuals with Parkinson's disease and may be an appropriate and
effective form of group exercise for individuals with Parkinson's
disease," researcher Gammon M. Earhart, an assistant professor of
physical therapy, said in a prepared statement.
"Although some participants were initially skeptical because
they hadn't danced in years or thought they couldn't because of the
disease, this study shows that dance can improve functional
mobility," Earhart said.
While dance in general may benefit people with Parkinson's,
several aspects of tango movement may be especially helpful to
these patients, including dynamic balance, turning, initiation of
movement, moving at different speeds, and walking backward.
"This type of therapy looks to be superior than what is
currently offered," researcher Madeline E. Hackney, a predoctoral
trainee in movement science, said in a prepared statement. "The
quality of life improved in these patients because of the social
aspect of dancing."
The study was published in the
Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy.
Further studies with larger groups of patients are needed to
confirm these preliminary findings, the researchers said.
More information
The National Parkinson Foundation has more about
Parkinson's disease treatment options.
