Parkinson Disease
Conditions
Keywords
Parkinson's Disease, Argentine Tango, Dance Therapy, Cognition
Brief summary
Neuroscientific research has shown a close relationship between physical fitness and cognition, showing a positive effect of physical activity (e.g., aerobic activity) on the maintenance of psycho-cognitive well-being in the elderly. In particular, dancing seems to be very effective, as it involves both motor and multisensory aspects (touch, sight, hearing, proprioception), stimulating memory, motor learning and social interaction. In fact, dance increases sensory-motor skills and cognitive performance in the neurologically healthy elderly. Dance-based therapeutic approaches, in particular Argentine tango, have also been implemented in the context of neurodegenerative pathologies, including Parkinson's disease (PD) where motor (i.e., tremors, postural instability, motor slowdown) and cognitive difficulties (e.g., executive deficits) may coexist. Most of these studies have so far demonstrated a significant improvement in balance and a reduction in motor symptoms, while evidence regarding cognitive and emotional benefits brought about by dance remains limited. When investigated, cognitive benefits have often been evaluated at the level of global cognition (i.e., screening tests), without a detailed characterization of the effects of tango on cognitive and affective functioning (e.g., executive functions, social cognition, depressive symptoms), central aspects in Parkinson's disease.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALTangotherapy
Learning and practicing a series of moves - both individual and with a partner - taken from Argentine Tango, according to the Riabilitango (R) approach. The training is aimed at improving both physical (e.g., balance, change of direction, coordination, endurance) and cognitive (i.e., learning, divided attention, inhibition, planning) domains, in a pleasant, enjoyable, and inclusive environment. This group-based training will take place twice a week (1h each session), for 6 weeks.
BEHAVIORALPhysical activity
Walking and stretching in group twice a week (1h each session), for 6 weeks.
Sponsors
Istituto Auxologico Italiano
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
40 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Clinical diagnosis of mild-moderate Parkinson's Disease (modified Hoehn&Yahr Scale 1-3)
Exclusion criteria
* Having attended Argentine Tango classes in the past year; * Having attended Physical Therapy rehabilitation in the past month; * Other neurological diseases (e.g., stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain tumors) * Dementia * Any clinical condition not compatible with physical activity * Deep Brain Stimulation of infusion pumps implants
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Parkinson's Disease Cognitive Rating Scale (PD-CRS) - total score | At the beginning of the treatment, at the end of the treatment (i.e., after 6 weeks), and at 45 days follow-up | A battery of cognitive tests of memory, selective attention, visuo-spatial skills, and flexibility. |
| Change in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) - total score | At the beginning of the treatment, at the end of the treatment (i.e., after 6 weeks), and at 45 days follow-up | A scale assessing depressive and anxiety symptoms. |
| Change in Health-related quality of Life (EQ-5D-5L) - total score | At the beginning of the treatment, at the end of the treatment (i.e., after 6 weeks), and at 45 days follow-up | A questionnaire about quality of life in different health-related domains. |
| Change in Stroop Task - reading time | At the beginning of the treatment, at the end of the treatment (i.e., after 6 weeks), and at 45 days follow-up | A test assessing cognitive inhibition. |
| Change in 6 minutes walking Test (6MWT) - Distance Walked | At the beginning of the treatment, at the end of the treatment (i.e., after 6 weeks), and at 45 days follow-up | A test assessing walking performance; i.e., distance walked in 6 minutes. |
| Change in Timed Up and Go (TUG) test - Execution Time | At the beginning of the treatment, at the end of the treatment (i.e., after 6 weeks), and at 45 days follow-up | A test used to assess a person's mobility. |
| Change in 10 meters walking test (10mWT) - Execution Time | At the beginning of the treatment, at the end of the treatment (i.e., after 6 weeks), and at 45 days follow-up | A test assessing walking performance. |
Countries
Italy
Outcome results
None listed