Parkinson's Disease (PD)NCT07736014
Adapted Physical Activity and Tango-Based Therapy for Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study
A study testing Riabilitango® Tango-based program and Motor Reconditioning in people with Parkinson's Disease (PD), run by University of Foggia at 1 site in Italy.
Trial summary
The purpose of this clinical research is to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured Tango-based (Riabilitango®) therapy compared to a conventional Motor Reconditioning program and a Control group in individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 50 to 80 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Parkinson's Disease (PD)
- What is being tested?
- Riabilitango® Tango-based program and Motor Reconditioning
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 27 participants
- Where
- 1 siteItaly
- Study dates
- 17 Oct 2024to 31 Jul 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 50 to 80 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Confirmed clinical diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's Disease.
- Mild to moderate disease severity (Hoehn and Yahr stage I-III).
- Ability to walk independently (with or without assistive devices).
- Stable antiparkinsonian pharmacological treatment for at least 4 weeks prior to enrollment.
- Ability to understand study procedures and willingness to sign the Informed Consent document.
Who cannot join
- Severe cognitive impairment or dementia preventing comprehension of instructions or active participation.
- Severe cardiovascular, respiratory, orthopedic, or other neurological conditions that impair safe exercise participation or gait evaluation.
- Surgical interventions that directly affect mobility or dynamic balance (e.g., Deep Brain Stimulation or recent major orthopedic surgery).
- Concurrent participation in other physical rehabilitation programs or clinical trials during the study period.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Italy1 site
Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria "Ospedali Riuniti" di Foggia
Foggia, FG, 71122
About this study
Official title: Effectiveness of Tango Therapy and Physical Reconditioning in Individuals With Parkinson's Disease
The purpose of this clinical research is to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured Tango-based (Riabilitango®) therapy compared to a conventional Motor Reconditioning program and a Control group in individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. The study assesses changes in motor performance, balance, gait kinematics, functional strenght, and health-related quality of life over a 3-month intervention period and a 3-month post-intervention follow-up.
Read the detailed description
Parkinson's disease is characterized by motor deficits affecting gait, postural control, and dynamic balance. This study compares two exercise-based rehabilitation approaches against a control group:
Riabilitango® (Tango Therapy): Supervised group sessions (2 times/week, 60 minutes/session for 3 months) focusing on balance, trunk mobility, rhythm-synchronised walking, and adapted Argentine tango figures.
Motor Reconditioning: Supervised small-group sessions (2 times/week, 60 minutes/session for 3 months) including cycling warm-up, progressive treadmill walking (60-70% max heart rate), upper/lower-limb functional training, and stretching exercises.
Control Group: Follows usual care without participating in the structured rehabilitation interventions during the study period.
Comprehensive clinical, functional, and biomechanical evaluations are conducted at baseline, monthly during the 3-month intervention period, and at a 3-month post-intervention follow-up (6 months total observation period).
- Conditions
- Parkinson's Disease (PD)
- Being tested
- Riabilitango® Tango-based program, Motor Reconditioning
- Medical subject headings
- Parkinson Disease
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Riabilitango® Tango-based programOther
Supervised group tango therapy incorporating warm-up exercises, trunk mobility routines, rhythm-synchronised walking, partner activities, and progressive adapted tango patterns tailored for individuals with Parkinson's disease.
Motor ReconditioningOther
Supervised motor reconditioning including a cycling warm-up, progressive treadmill walking at 60-70% of age-predicted maximal heart rate, functional upper-limb exercises, and stretching routines.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Tango-based program (Riabilitango®) | Experimental | Participants receive a structured tango-based rehabilitation programme (Riabilitango®) delivered by a qualified tango instructor. The intervention lasts 3 months, attending 2 supervised 60-minute sessions per week in group format (approx. 10 participants). The sessions focus on ankle/foot warm-up, balance and stick exercises for trunk mobility, rhythm-synchronised walking, and adapted Argentine tango figures. Receives: Other: Riabilitango® Tango-based program |
| Motor Reconditioning | Active comparator | Participants undergo a conventional motor reconditioning programme supervised by a qualified kinesiologist. The intervention lasts 3 months, with 2 supervised 60-minute sessions per week in small groups (2-3 participants). The program includes stationary cycling, progressive treadmill walking, functional strength training, postural transitions, and stretching exercises. Receives: Other: Motor Reconditioning |
| Control group | No intervention | Participants assigned to the control group do not participate in any structured exercise or rehabilitation intervention during the 3-month study period. They maintain their routine medical care and daily habits. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Part III Motor Examination Score
The UPDRS Part III evaluates motor function in individuals with Parkinson's disease, including speech, facial expression, tremor, rigidity, finger taps, hand movements, gait, posture, and bradykinesia. Scores range from 0 to 56, with higher scores indicating greater motor impairment.
Measured: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
Secondary outcomes (16)
Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test Time
Time in seconds taken by the participant to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn around, walk back, and sit down. Shorter completion times indicate better functional mobility.
Measured: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) Distance
Total distance walked in meters during 6 minutes. Higher values indicate better functional walking endurance.
Measured: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
Handgrip Strength
Maximum isometric handgrip force measured using a digital dynamometer. Higher values indicate greater upper-limb muscle strength.
Measured: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
Sit-and-Reach Test Distance
Lower back and hamstring flexibility evaluated via the Sit-and-Reach test. Higher values indicate better flexibility.
Measured: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
Back Scratch Test Distance
Shoulder and upper body flexibility evaluated via the Back Scratch test. Higher values (or less negative values) indicate better shoulder flexibility.
Measured: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
Gait Speed
Walking speed evaluated during treadmill locomotion using the Walker View system. Higher values indicate better walking capacity.
Measured: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
Step Length
Average step length during treadmill locomotion evaluated using the Walker View system. Higher values indicate longer step length.
Measured: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
Vertical Displacement During Gait
Vertical movement of the body center of mass during gait, evaluated using the Walker View treadmill system.
Measured: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
Postural Alignment During Gait
Trunk alignment and posture during treadmill walking evaluated using the Walker View system.
Measured: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
Postural Sway Area
Total ellipse area of postural sway during quiet standing with eyes open and closed, evaluated using the ProKin stabilometric platform. Lower values indicate better postural stability.
Measured: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
Center of Pressure Displacement Length
Total trajectory length of the Center of Pressure (CoP) evaluated using the ProKin stabilometric platform under eyes open and closed conditions. Lower values indicate better static postural control.
Measured: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
Pelvic Proprioceptive Balance
Dynamic pelvic proprioceptive control evaluated using the ProKin dynamic platform. Higher percentage scores indicate better proprioceptive stability.
Measured: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
Supine Postural Asymmetries
Evaluation of body alignment asymmetries in a supine position using the Postural Bench system. Lower angular values indicate greater postural symmetry.
Measured: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
39-Item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) Summary Index
Assessed using the 39-Item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39). The Summary Index ranges from 0% to 100%, where lower percentage scores represent better quality of life and lower disease burden.
Measured: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) Total Score
Assessed using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Total scores range from 0 to 100, where higher scores indicate better perceived health status and overall quality of life.
Measured: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale Score
Assessed using the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale. Total raw scores range from 20 to 80, where higher scores indicate greater severity of depressive symptoms.
Measured: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted30 Jul 2026
- Study start17 Oct 2024
- Primary completion31 Jul 2025
- Study completion31 Jul 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (3)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Parkinson's Disease (PD)Studies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 27 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Foggia
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Anna Antonia Valenzano, University of Foggia
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07736014
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Studio ETRMPEMP_2024
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 24 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 30 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: De-identified individual participant data collected during the study will be available upon reasonable request to researchers who provide a methodologically sound proposal.
Publications
Goodwin VA, Richards SH, Taylor RS, Taylor AH, Campbell JL. The effectiveness of exercise interventions for people with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Mov Disord. 2008 Apr 15;23(5):631-40. doi: 10.1002/mds.21922.
PubMed 18181210Rios 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 25847555Hackney ME, Earhart GM. Effects of dance on balance and gait in severe Parkinson disease: a case study. Disabil Rehabil. 2010;32(8):679-84. doi: 10.3109/09638280903247905.
PubMed 20205582
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 30 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effectiveness of Tango Therapy and Physical Reconditioning in Individuals With Parkinson's Disease
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07736014
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Studio ETRMPEMP_2024
- Conditions
- Parkinson's Disease (PD)
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 27 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of FoggiaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 17 Oct 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Jul 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 Jul 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 30 Jul 2026 (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.
The purpose of this clinical research is to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured Tango-based (Riabilitango®) therapy compared to a conventional Motor Reconditioning program and a Control group in individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. The study assesses changes in motor performance, balance, gait kinematics, functional strenght, and health-related quality of life over a 3-month intervention period and a 3-month post-intervention follow-up.
Detailed description
Parkinson's disease is characterized by motor deficits affecting gait, postural control, and dynamic balance. This study compares two exercise-based rehabilitation approaches against a control group:
Riabilitango® (Tango Therapy): Supervised group sessions (2 times/week, 60 minutes/session for 3 months) focusing on balance, trunk mobility, rhythm-synchronised walking, and adapted Argentine tango figures.
Motor Reconditioning: Supervised small-group sessions (2 times/week, 60 minutes/session for 3 months) including cycling warm-up, progressive treadmill walking (60-70% max heart rate), upper/lower-limb functional training, and stretching exercises.
Control Group: Follows usual care without participating in the structured rehabilitation interventions during the study period.
Comprehensive clinical, functional, and biomechanical evaluations are conducted at baseline, monthly during the 3-month intervention period, and at a 3-month post-intervention follow-up (6 months total observation period).
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Tango-based program (Riabilitango®) | Experimental | Other: Riabilitango® Tango-based programParticipants receive a structured tango-based rehabilitation programme (Riabilitango®) delivered by a qualified tango instructor. The intervention lasts 3 months, attending 2 supervised 60-minute sessions per week in group format (approx. 10 participants). The sessions focus on ankle/foot warm-up, balance and stick exercises for trunk mobility, rhythm-synchronised walking, and adapted Argentine tango figures. |
| Motor Reconditioning | Active comparator | Other: Motor ReconditioningParticipants undergo a conventional motor reconditioning programme supervised by a qualified kinesiologist. The intervention lasts 3 months, with 2 supervised 60-minute sessions per week in small groups (2-3 participants). The program includes stationary cycling, progressive treadmill walking, functional strength training, postural transitions, and stretching exercises. |
| Control group | No intervention | –Participants assigned to the control group do not participate in any structured exercise or rehabilitation intervention during the 3-month study period. They maintain their routine medical care and daily habits. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 50 to 80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Confirmed clinical diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's Disease.
- Mild to moderate disease severity (Hoehn and Yahr stage I-III).
- Ability to walk independently (with or without assistive devices).
- Stable antiparkinsonian pharmacological treatment for at least 4 weeks prior to enrollment.
- Ability to understand study procedures and willingness to sign the Informed Consent document.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Severe cognitive impairment or dementia preventing comprehension of instructions or active participation.
- Severe cardiovascular, respiratory, orthopedic, or other neurological conditions that impair safe exercise participation or gait evaluation.
- Surgical interventions that directly affect mobility or dynamic balance (e.g., Deep Brain Stimulation or recent major orthopedic surgery).
- Concurrent participation in other physical rehabilitation programs or clinical trials during the study period.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Riabilitango® Tango-based programSupervised group tango therapy incorporating warm-up exercises, trunk mobility routines, rhythm-synchronised walking, partner activities, and progressive adapted tango patterns tailored for individuals with Parkinson's disease. | Other | Tango-based program (Riabilitango®) |
| Motor ReconditioningSupervised motor reconditioning including a cycling warm-up, progressive treadmill walking at 60-70% of age-predicted maximal heart rate, functional upper-limb exercises, and stretching routines. | Other | Motor Reconditioning |
Primary outcome
Change in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Part III Motor Examination Score
Time frame: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
The UPDRS Part III evaluates motor function in individuals with Parkinson's disease, including speech, facial expression, tremor, rigidity, finger taps, hand movements, gait, posture, and bradykinesia. Scores range from 0 to 56, with higher scores indicating greater motor impairment.
16 secondary outcomes
Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test Time
Time frame: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) Distance
Time frame: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
Handgrip Strength
Time frame: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
Sit-and-Reach Test Distance
Time frame: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
Back Scratch Test Distance
Time frame: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
Gait Speed
Time frame: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
Step Length
Time frame: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
Vertical Displacement During Gait
Time frame: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
Postural Alignment During Gait
Time frame: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
Postural Sway Area
Time frame: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
Center of Pressure Displacement Length
Time frame: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
Pelvic Proprioceptive Balance
Time frame: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
Supine Postural Asymmetries
Time frame: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
39-Item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) Summary Index
Time frame: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) Total Score
Time frame: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale Score
Time frame: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)
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 30 Jul 2026.
- Results publication: PubMed 18181210Goodwin VA, Richards SH, Taylor RS, Taylor AH, Campbell JL. The effectiveness of exercise interventions for people with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Mov Disord. 2008 Apr 15;23(5):631-40. doi: 10.1002/mds.21922.
- Results publication: 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.
- Results publication: PubMed 20205582Hackney ME, Earhart GM. Effects of dance on balance and gait in severe Parkinson disease: a case study. Disabil Rehabil. 2010;32(8):679-84. doi: 10.3109/09638280903247905.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. De-identified individual participant data collected during the study will be available upon reasonable request to researchers who provide a methodologically sound proposal.
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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.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Riabilitango® Tango-based program and Motor Reconditioning in people with Parkinson's Disease (PD), run by University of Foggia 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 5 inclusion and 4 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 30 Jul 2026. 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 Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Part III Motor Examination Score (time frame: Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and 3-month post-intervention follow-up (Month 6)). 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 NCT07736014, which also lists 3 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 30 Jul 2026.