Dancing is associated with better outcomes and quality of life in patients with Parkinson’s disease

This study investigated the effects of different exercise regimens on patients with Parkinson's disease. Researchers suggested that dancing tango improved the body function and movement of these patients.

Parkinson's disease (PD) affects the brain cells. The abilities controlled by these cells are lost causing symptoms such as tremors and impaired balance. The standard treatment is levodopa which is associated with long-term side effects affecting the quality of life.

Prior studies showed that combining physical exercise to standard therapy improves the outcomes of these patients. However, it is not fully clear which exercise is associated with the best outcomes.

This study reviewed 19 other studies about patients with PD. 920 participants were included overall. These patients were assigned to physical exercises such as dance, resistance training, Taichi, and yoga.

Dance and tango were the type of exercise with better outcomes in terms of balance and aerobic resistance. Aerobic exercise improves the strength of the heart and lungs. Tango was associated with improved gait (walking) velocity.

This study concluded that tango dancing can improve body function and movement in patients with Parkinson's disease.

This study was based on information from medical records. Data may have been missing. Also, the protocols were different among the studies analyzed. Further studies are needed.