Argentine tango in Parkinson disease – a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

BackgroundParkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease with increasing motor and non-motor symptoms in advanced stages. In addition to conventional exercise therapy and drug treatment, Argentine Tango (AT) is discussed as an appropriate intervention for patients to improve physical functioning and health-related quality of life. This review aimed to summarize the current research results on the effectiveness of AT for individuals with PD.MethodsThe global literature search with the search terms “(Parkinson OR Parkinson’s disease) AND tango” was conducted in PubMED, AMED, CAMbase, and Google Scholar for publications in English and German. There were no limitations on the study design, year of publication, stage of disease, considered outcome or the age of participants.ResultsThirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. These included 9 randomized-controlled trials, one non-randomized trial, two case studies and one uncontrolled pre-post study. Our meta-analysis revealed significant overall effects in favor of tango for motor severity measured with the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale 3 (ES = −0.62, 95 % CI [−.1.04, −0.21]), balance as measured with the Mini-BESTest (ES = 0.96 [0.60, 1.31]) or Berg Balance Scale (ES = 0.45 [0.01, 0.90]), and gait with the Timed Up and Go Test (ES = −.46 [−0.72, −0.20]). However, gait as measured with a 6-Minute Walk Test did not demonstrate statistical significance (ES = 0.36 [−0.06, 0.77]). For freezing of gait, no significant effects were observed in favor of AT (ES = 0.16 [−.62, 0.31]). Further, our systematic review revealed a tendency for positive effects on fatigue, activity participation and Parkinson-associated quality of life. A limitation of the studies is the small number of participants in each study (maximum 75). Moreover, most studies are from the same research groups, and only a few are from other researchers.ConclusionsFuture studies should enroll more individuals and should also focus on long-term effects. In addition, future research should address more closely the effects of AT on personal relationships, the individual social network as well as on aspects of quality of life.

The impact of Tai Chi and Qigong mind-body exercises on motor and non-motor function and quality of life in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…This average magnitude of change meets the threshold for established clinically important differences (minimum of 2.5 for UPDRS to 3.5 for MDS-UPDRS) with variation in reported meaningful differences due to instrument used (UPDRS vs. MDS-UPDRS) and severity of disease progression [66, 67]. The magnitude of effects of TCQ on Part III of the UPDRS that we observed are similar to those reported for physiotherapy [68], but lower than those reported following training in Argentine Tango [69], or for patients taking dopamine medications [57] or undergoing deep brain stimulation [70]. …”

The potential benefits of Zumba Gold® in people with mild-to-moderate Parkinson’s: Feasibility and effects of dance styles and number of sessions

“…7,[18][19][20][21] In particular, dance styles that induce frequent movement cessation and initiation and backwards steps, such as tango seem to induce greater improvements in motor outcomes in PD. 22,23 This is particularly important since backwards walking is challenging for people with PD because it disturbs balance and could trigger freezing events. 24 Several studies have shown altered biomechanical responses during compensatory backward stepping in people with PD compared to healthy controls.…”

Physical therapy and occupational therapy in Parkinson's disease

“…Potentially, effective programs are an Intensive Rehabilitation Program (4 weeks, 5 times a week, combined types of exercise) [78,79], and the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment -BIG program (high amplitude movements, sensory recalibration and self-cueing) [80]. Other types of exercise for which evidence is increasing are Tai Chi [81][82][83], hydrotherapy [84], boxing [85] and dancing [86][87][88]. There is very little evidence for exercise to improve hand function.…”