Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disease that results in the patient losing their motor skills over a period of time. The person suffering from this condition in later stages is unable to perform daily, functional tasks.
Since there is currently no cure for this disease, medical practitioners are looking to supplement drug therapy with other physical therapies to slow down the symptoms of Parkinson’s patients.
Various physical exercises are incorporated in the treatment of the disease. And according to researchers, Argentine Tango has also shown positive response in slowing down the progression of the disease.
Home Care in Laguna Woods CA: Tango Dancing and Parkinson’s
What is the Argentine Tango?
Argentine Tango is a style of dance that originated in Buenos Aires, Argentina in the 19th century and is performed with a partner. The Argentine Tango requires both the partners to be in tune with the music and with each other. The Argentine Tango is considered a romantic and even sensual form of dancing where both the partners express their love to each other in a non-verbal manner.
Argentine Tango has become popular worldwide due to its upbeat yet romantic and fluid music and passionate style of dance. There is a misconception that Tango is for young people, but this is far from the reality. Tango is enjoyed by people of all ages.
How Tango Benefits Parkinson’s Patient 1
Parkinson’s disease is age-related, and symptoms worsen as people age and they are more discouraged to try partnered dancing. But Parkinson’s patients can enjoy Tango and at the same time reduce some of the symptoms the of their disease. They need a little encouragement and when they start seeing positive results, usually get motivated to continue with the therapy.
Tango can help in maintaining and improving balance in Parkinson’s patients. The coordinated and rhythmic moving back and forth can promote developing balance and functional mobility. Dancing was associated with short-term improvements in freezing of gait, walking performance and wellbeing in some individuals.
Dancing can also have a positive impact on quality of life. It supports adherence to physical activity over the long term. Incorporating music and dance in the therapy encouraged the patients to participate in the therapy as the usual monotonous exercise routines are more tiring and dull thus being less effective compared to tango therapy. Enjoyable music also played an important role in encouraging regular participation.
Elderly people who do not have Parkinson’s disease should also try the Argentine Tango since it can be a lot of fun for them and a great form of exercise and social interaction.
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Source:
Therapeutic Dancing for Parkinson’s Disease International Journal of Gerontology Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2016, Pages 64-70
