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.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
45
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.
Walking and stretching in group twice a week (1h each session), for 6 weeks.
Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS
Milan, Lombardy, Italy
Change in Parkinson's Disease Cognitive Rating Scale (PD-CRS) - total score
A battery of cognitive tests of memory, selective attention, visuo-spatial skills, and flexibility.
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
Change in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) - total score
A scale assessing depressive and anxiety symptoms.
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
Change in Health-related quality of Life (EQ-5D-5L) - total score
A questionnaire about quality of life in different health-related domains.
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
Change in Stroop Task - reading time
A test assessing cognitive inhibition.
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
Change in 6 minutes walking Test (6MWT) - Distance Walked
A test assessing walking performance; i.e., distance walked in 6 minutes.
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
Change in Timed Up and Go (TUG) test - Execution Time
A test used to assess a person's mobility.
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
Change in 10 meters walking test (10mWT) - Execution Time
A test assessing walking performance.
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
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