The Montreal study was published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine and supported by the Parkinson Society of Canada and the Fonds de Recherché Santé Québec .
Another study from the Parkinson ’ s Disease Foundation found that balance improved and patients were able to walk further and faster . The symptoms of the groups who did not receive Tango lessons worsened or stayed the same . A year after the study , the patients that had studied tango had increased their participation in all activities , such as gardening , socializing , games , etc .
There ’ s accumulating evidence that habitual physical activity is associated with a lower risk of developing Parkinsons , which suggests a potential slowing of Parkinsons progression . ... In the study , we found the tango was helpful in significantly improving balance and functional mobility , and seemed to encourage patients to appreciate their general course of therapy . We also found modest benefits in terms of patients ’ cognitive functions and in reducing fatigue . No significant changes were detected in overall motor functions .
— Dr . Silvia Rios Romenets
Dr . Rios Romenets a clinical research fellow at the Movement Disorders Clinics , is lead researcher in the study . He has a special interest in Parkinson ’ s disease and dance therapy .
Many Parkinsons patients find traditional exercise programs unappealing . Over half of Parkinsons patients neglect their recommended daily dose of physical activity . However , with a connection to music and a partner , the dopamine systems of the brain kick in . This is pivotal for establishing and maintaining behavior . Combining music with dance can increase accessibility , enjoyability , and motivation , as well as improving mood and stimulating cognition . The social interaction and social support involved in tango have significant positive results on mood .
Parkinsons disease patients can experience freezing , a sudden inability to move , when they are walking or turning around . This can cause falls . Tango dancing involves turning , stepping backwards , starting and stopping — total control and attention .
Practicing this is both physical and mental exercise . Using visual cues , overcoming obstacles , and auditory cues for stopping and starting . All of this rhythmic , metered movement activates the basal ganglia , structures in the base of the brain that are involved in coordination .
In Buenos Aires , lessons are available for people with Alzheimer ’ s , depression , and Parkinson ’ s . Lessons for special populations include longer warmup times and slower rhythms . Live musicians would be best , because they can choose tempos that suit the dancers .
Music causes dopamine to be released into the striatum , part of the brain ’ s reward system and with dance being such a social activity , participants experience elevated mood states and greater motivation to comply with treatment .
Future studies comparing tango to other exercises and dance genres are definitely needed . Tango may not cure any these diseases . But with the tango , the patients will have more active happier lives ..
— 32 —
To Subscribe , Click here