Hackney, M. E., Kantorovich, S., Levin, R., & Gammon, M. (2007). Effects of tango on functional mobility in Parkinson's disease: A preliminary study. Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy, 31(4), 173-179.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two movement programs (tango and exercise) in participants with Parkinson's disease (PD). Nineteen subjects diagnosed with idiopathic PD were randomly assigned to one of two groups: tango or exercise. Those in the tango group participated in 20 1-hour progressive Argentine tango dance lessons with a partner for 13 weeks while those in the exercise group participated in structured strength/flexibility exercise classes designed for people with PD and/or elderly individuals for 13 weeks. Subjects were assessed prior to the intervention and again the week following the 20th training session using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Motor Subscale 3, as well as assessed for balance, gait velocity, mobility, and freezing of gait. After 20 sessions, both the tango and exercise groups significantly improved on motor subscale 3 of the UPDRS. The tango group, but not the exercise group, improved on the Berg Balance Scale. These preliminary results suggest that the tango is feasible for individuals with PD and may be an appropriate and effective form of group exercise for individuals with PD.

For the full abstract, go to http://www.ncpad.org/624/2589/Effects~of~Tango~on~Functional~Mobility~in~
Parkinson~s~Disease.