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

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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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.

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

Conditions
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Parkinson Disease

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Tangotherapy
* Behavioral: Physical activity


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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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

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 40 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Tangotherapy<br>2 hours of group-based Tangotherapy, weekly, for 6 weeks | Behavioral: Tangotherapy<br>* 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.<br>|
| Active Comparator: Physical Activity<br>2 hours of group-based physical activity, weekly, for 6 weeks | Behavioral: Physical activity<br>* Walking and stretching in group twice a week (1h each session), for 6 weeks.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | At the beginning of the treatment, at the end of the treatment (i.e., after 6 weeks), and at 45 days follow-up | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Parkinson's Disease, Argentine Tango, Dance Therapy, Cognition