Parkinson DiseaseTANGOPDNCT05904171
Cognitive, Affective, and Motor Effects of Tangotherapy in Parkinson's Disease
A study testing Tangotherapy and Physical activity in people with Parkinson Disease, run by Istituto Auxologico Italiano at 1 site in Italy.
Trial summary
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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 40 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Parkinson Disease
- What is being tested?
- Tangotherapy and Physical activity
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 45 participants
- Where
- 1 siteItaly
- Study dates
- 20 Feb 2023to 9 May 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 40 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Clinical diagnosis of mild-moderate Parkinson's Disease (modified Hoehn\&Yahr Scale 1-3)
Who cannot join
- 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
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
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.
- Conditions
- Parkinson Disease
- Being tested
- Tangotherapy, Physical activity
- Keywords
- Parkinson's Disease, Argentine Tango, Dance Therapy, Cognition
- Medical subject headings
- Parkinson Disease
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
TangotherapyBehavioural
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.
Physical activityBehavioural
Walking and stretching in group twice a week (1h each session), for 6 weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Tangotherapy | Experimental | 2 hours of group-based Tangotherapy, weekly, for 6 weeks Receives: Behavioral: Tangotherapy |
| Physical Activity | Active comparator | 2 hours of group-based physical activity, weekly, for 6 weeks Receives: Behavioral: Physical activity |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: At the beginning of the treatment, at the end of the treatment (i.e., after 6 weeks), and at 45 days follow-up
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted15 Jun 2023
- Study start20 Feb 2023
- Primary completion9 May 2025
- Study completion9 May 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (7)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Parkinson DiseaseStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Istituto Auxologico ItalianoThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 45 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Nadia Bolognini, PhD, Principal investigator, Laboratorio di Neuropsicologia, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05904171
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 25C304
- Acronym
- TANGOPD
- Status last verified
- Aug 2025
- First submitted
- 25 May 2023
- Last updated
- 3 Sep 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: individual data will be uploaded on zenodo.com
Publications
Carvalho A, Rea IM, Parimon T, Cusack BJ. Physical activity and cognitive function in individuals over 60 years of age: a systematic review. Clin Interv Aging. 2014 Apr 12;9:661-82. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S55520. eCollection 2014.
PubMed 24748784Kattenstroth JC, Kalisch T, Holt S, Tegenthoff M, Dinse HR. Six months of dance intervention enhances postural, sensorimotor, and cognitive performance in elderly without affecting cardio-respiratory functions. Front Aging Neurosci. 2013 Feb 26;5:5. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2013.00005. eCollection 2013.
PubMed 23447455Kattenstroth JC, Kolankowska I, Kalisch T, Dinse HR. Superior sensory, motor, and cognitive performance in elderly individuals with multi-year dancing activities. Front Aging Neurosci. 2010 Jul 21;2:31. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2010.00031. eCollection 2010.
PubMed 20725636Ismail SR, Lee SWH, Merom D, Megat Kamaruddin PSN, Chong MS, Ong T, Lai NM. Evidence of disease severity, cognitive and physical outcomes of dance interventions for persons with Parkinson's Disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Geriatr. 2021 Sep 22;21(1):503. doi: 10.1186/s12877-021-02446-w.
PubMed 34551722Duncan RP, Earhart GM. Randomized controlled trial of community-based dancing to modify disease progression in Parkinson disease. Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2012 Feb;26(2):132-43. doi: 10.1177/1545968311421614. Epub 2011 Sep 29.
PubMed 21959675Rios Romenets S, Anang J, Fereshtehnejad SM, Pelletier A, Postuma R. Tango for treatment of motor and non-motor manifestations in Parkinson's disease: a randomized control study. Complement Ther Med. 2015 Apr;23(2):175-84. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2015.01.015. Epub 2015 Feb 9.
PubMed 25847555Caronni A, Amadei M, Diana L, Sangalli G, Scarano S, Perucca L, Rota V, Bolognini N. In Parkinson's disease, dual-tasking reduces gait smoothness during the straight-walking and turning-while-walking phases of the Timed Up and Go test. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2025 Mar 7;17(1):42. doi: 10.1186/s13102-025-01068-8.
PubMed 40055732
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 3 Sep 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Cognitive, Affective, and Motor Effects of Tangotherapy in Parkinson's Disease
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05904171
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- TANGOPD / 25C304
- Conditions
- Parkinson Disease
- Keywords
- Parkinson's Disease, Argentine Tango, Dance Therapy, Cognition
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 45 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Istituto Auxologico ItalianoUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 20 Feb 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 9 May 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 9 May 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 15 Jun 2023 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Tangotherapy | Experimental | Behavioral: Tangotherapy2 hours of group-based Tangotherapy, weekly, for 6 weeks |
| Physical Activity | Active comparator | Behavioral: Physical activity2 hours of group-based physical activity, weekly, for 6 weeks |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 40 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Clinical diagnosis of mild-moderate Parkinson's Disease (modified Hoehn\&Yahr Scale 1-3)
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- 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
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| TangotherapyLearning 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. | Behavioural | Tangotherapy |
| Physical activityWalking and stretching in group twice a week (1h each session), for 6 weeks. | Behavioural | Physical Activity |
Primary outcome
Change in Parkinson's Disease Cognitive Rating Scale (PD-CRS) - total score
Time frame: At the beginning of the treatment, at the end of the treatment (i.e., after 6 weeks), and at 45 days follow-up
A battery of cognitive tests of memory, selective attention, visuo-spatial skills, and flexibility.
Change in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) - total score
Time frame: At the beginning of the treatment, at the end of the treatment (i.e., after 6 weeks), and at 45 days follow-up
A scale assessing depressive and anxiety symptoms.
Change in Health-related quality of Life (EQ-5D-5L) - total score
Time frame: At the beginning of the treatment, at the end of the treatment (i.e., after 6 weeks), and at 45 days follow-up
A questionnaire about quality of life in different health-related domains.
Change in Stroop Task - reading time
Time frame: At the beginning of the treatment, at the end of the treatment (i.e., after 6 weeks), and at 45 days follow-up
A test assessing cognitive inhibition.
Change in 6 minutes walking Test (6MWT) - Distance Walked
Time frame: At the beginning of the treatment, at the end of the treatment (i.e., after 6 weeks), and at 45 days follow-up
A test assessing walking performance; i.e., distance walked in 6 minutes.
Change in Timed Up and Go (TUG) test - Execution Time
Time frame: At the beginning of the treatment, at the end of the treatment (i.e., after 6 weeks), and at 45 days follow-up
A test used to assess a person's mobility.
Change in 10 meters walking test (10mWT) - Execution Time
Time frame: At the beginning of the treatment, at the end of the treatment (i.e., after 6 weeks), and at 45 days follow-up
A test assessing walking performance.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 3 Sep 2025.
- Background: PubMed 24748784Carvalho A, Rea IM, Parimon T, Cusack BJ. Physical activity and cognitive function in individuals over 60 years of age: a systematic review. Clin Interv Aging. 2014 Apr 12;9:661-82. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S55520. eCollection 2014.
- Background: PubMed 23447455Kattenstroth JC, Kalisch T, Holt S, Tegenthoff M, Dinse HR. Six months of dance intervention enhances postural, sensorimotor, and cognitive performance in elderly without affecting cardio-respiratory functions. Front Aging Neurosci. 2013 Feb 26;5:5. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2013.00005. eCollection 2013.
- Background: PubMed 20725636Kattenstroth JC, Kolankowska I, Kalisch T, Dinse HR. Superior sensory, motor, and cognitive performance in elderly individuals with multi-year dancing activities. Front Aging Neurosci. 2010 Jul 21;2:31. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2010.00031. eCollection 2010.
- Background: PubMed 34551722Ismail SR, Lee SWH, Merom D, Megat Kamaruddin PSN, Chong MS, Ong T, Lai NM. Evidence of disease severity, cognitive and physical outcomes of dance interventions for persons with Parkinson's Disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Geriatr. 2021 Sep 22;21(1):503. doi: 10.1186/s12877-021-02446-w.
- Background: PubMed 21959675Duncan RP, Earhart GM. Randomized controlled trial of community-based dancing to modify disease progression in Parkinson disease. Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2012 Feb;26(2):132-43. doi: 10.1177/1545968311421614. Epub 2011 Sep 29.
- Background: PubMed 25847555Rios Romenets S, Anang J, Fereshtehnejad SM, Pelletier A, Postuma R. Tango for treatment of motor and non-motor manifestations in Parkinson's disease: a randomized control study. Complement Ther Med. 2015 Apr;23(2):175-84. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2015.01.015. Epub 2015 Feb 9.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 40055732Caronni A, Amadei M, Diana L, Sangalli G, Scarano S, Perucca L, Rota V, Bolognini N. In Parkinson's disease, dual-tasking reduces gait smoothness during the straight-walking and turning-while-walking phases of the Timed Up and Go test. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2025 Mar 7;17(1):42. doi: 10.1186/s13102-025-01068-8.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. individual data will be uploaded on zenodo.com
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Nadia Bolognini, PhD principal investigator
Laboratorio di Neuropsicologia, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Tangotherapy and Physical activity in people with Parkinson Disease, run by Istituto Auxologico Italiano at 1 site in Italy.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 3 Sep 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Italy. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Parkinson's Disease Cognitive Rating Scale (PD-CRS) - total score (time frame: At the beginning of the treatment, at the end of the treatment (i.e., after 6 weeks), and at 45 days follow-up). The study lists 7 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT05904171, which also lists 7 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 3 Sep 2025.