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Completed

NCT Number: NCT05904171

Cognitive, Affective, and Motor Effects of Tangotherapy in Parkinson's Disease

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Parkinson Disease Basal Ganglia Diseases Brain Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Movement Disorders Nervous System Diseases Neurodegenerative Diseases Parkinsonian Disorders Synucleinopathies

Age range

40 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS

Milan, Lombardy, 20122, Italy

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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

Treatment and study plan

Tangotherapy

Behavioral

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.

Physical activity

Behavioral

Walking and stretching in group twice a week (1h each session), for 6 weeks.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Parkinson's Disease Cognitive Rating Scale (PD-CRS) - total score

    Time frame: 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.

  2. Change in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) - total score

    Time frame: 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.

  3. Change in Health-related quality of Life (EQ-5D-5L) - total score

    Time frame: 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.

  4. Change in Stroop Task - reading time

    Time frame: 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.

  5. Change in 6 minutes walking Test (6MWT) - Distance Walked

    Time frame: 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.

  6. Change in Timed Up and Go (TUG) test - Execution Time

    Time frame: 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.

  7. Change in 10 meters walking test (10mWT) - Execution Time

    Time frame: 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.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Istituto Auxologico Italiano

Other

Registry information

Acronym: TANGOPD

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jun 15, 2023
Registry last updated
Sep 3, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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