Tango Therapy: A Promising Avenue for Cancer Recovery
Recent research emanating from The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center suggests that dancing the Argentine tango could offer a novel and engaging approach to mitigate the lingering effects of chemotherapy in cancer survivors. The study sheds light on the potential of tango to enhance neurological recovery and improve the overall quality of life for those grappling with chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIN).
CIN, a debilitating condition affecting a significant proportion of cancer survivors, primarily impacts the hands, feet, and limbs, manifesting as pain, numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and a diminished sense of feeling. These symptoms can lead to falls, difficulty walking, and a substantial decline in overall well-being. According to experts, approximately 80% of breast cancer survivors experience CIN, highlighting the widespread need for effective interventions.
The DAANCE study, spearheaded by Dr. Lise Worthen-Chaudhari, a scientist in the OSU Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, explored the efficacy of an adapted Argentine tango program in restoring mobility and alleviating the distressing symptoms of CIN. Funded by the National Institute on Aging, the study sought to provide an alternative treatment option for cancer survivors suffering from the neurological aftereffects of chemotherapy.
Dr. Worthen-Chaudhari, drawing upon her own background as a former dancer, recognized the importance of exploring alternative treatment modalities for CIN. The study was specifically designed for breast cancer survivors who had completed chemotherapy at least three months prior and were experiencing persistent CIN symptoms.
Initial findings from the study revealed that small doses of social dance, particularly the Argentine tango, yielded significant improvements in dual-task function compared to more intensive at-home exercise regimens. Researchers attributed this positive outcome to the cognitive engagement inherent in dual-task functioning, where individuals are required to perform two tasks simultaneously, such as walking and talking.
Dr. Worthen-Chaudhari suggests that even a modest amount of social dance, approximately 20 minutes a few times per week, can potentially rewire the neuropathways affected by cancer treatment. Preliminary data indicates that dancing the tango can lead to notable improvements in balance, cognitive function, motor function, and a reduction in neuropathy symptoms.
A key element contributing to the therapeutic benefits of tango lies in its rhythmic nature. The Argentine tango, with its cadence of 120 beats per minute, facilitates a neurological phenomenon known as "entrainment." Entrainment occurs when two or more oscillating systems, such as brainwaves or behaviors, synchronize and align. The tango’s rhythmic structure appears to stimulate this entrainment process, fostering neurological recovery.
Dr. Worthen-Chaudhari explained that the tango’s unique combination of movement, rhythmic entrainment, and social connection makes it a potent tool for promoting recovery. These elements, when combined, create a synergistic effect that surpasses the benefits of each element in isolation. Pilot data suggests that the repetitive, slow music and walking dance associated with tango can help remap nerves damaged by chemotherapy.
The potential benefits of tango therapy extend beyond cancer recovery. Other institutions have reported success in using adapted tango to improve balance and cognition in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Worthen-Chaudhari believes that this therapy could also benefit individuals with conditions such as diabetes, dementia, neurodegenerative diseases, and the general effects of aging.
Building upon the promising initial findings, an expanded five-year study is underway to further investigate the impact of tango therapy on dual-task performance. The study plans to recruit 140 breast cancer survivors at the OSU Cancer Center to explore whether the effects of tango therapy can be sustained over time and whether it can lead to long-term improvements in movement and cognitive functions.
According to Dr. Worthen-Chaudhari, the overarching goal of this research is to empower survivors to reclaim their lives and thrive beyond mere survival. It aims to provide them with an enjoyable and effective means of enhancing their sensory motor skills, reducing the fear of falling, and ultimately improving their overall well-being.
Dr. Worthen-Chaudhari expressed her enthusiasm about the finding that tango, performed with a friend, can be just as effective as exercise in alleviating CIN symptoms. Her initial inquiry centered on whether tango could go beyond preventing decline and actively stimulate neuro-recovery in individuals recovering from neuro-trauma.
She was pleasantly surprised to find clear positive results even in the initial stages of the study. The fact that tango doesn’t require intense physical exertion, eliminating the need for showering before returning to work or social engagements, makes it an appealing and accessible option for many.
Dr. Worthen-Chaudhari emphasizes that there is hope for recovery from the physical and neurological toll that cancer can take.
Aimee Kain, a breast cancer survivor and participant in the DAANCE study, shared her overwhelmingly positive experience. She highlighted the sense of connection and camaraderie she experienced with other women facing similar side effects, as well as the fun and lighthearted approach to treatment that tango provided.
Kain emphasized the significant benefits of engaging in an enjoyable activity as a form of treatment. The research and study validated her belief that something she already enjoyed could be therapeutic. Kain reports that she is currently healthy and able to engage in activities she loves with minimal difficulty, and she is optimistic about the future.
Kain encourages others to try dance, even if it initially feels outside their comfort zone.
The study’s findings suggest that tango therapy holds considerable promise as a non-pharmacological intervention for mitigating the debilitating effects of CIN and improving the overall quality of life for cancer survivors. Its unique combination of physical activity, rhythmic stimulation, cognitive engagement, and social interaction offers a holistic approach to recovery that can empower survivors to reclaim their lives and thrive.
