Dancing Tango: A Potential Path to Relief for Cancer Survivors

Using dance as a form of recovery may offer significant benefits for cancer patients, according to groundbreaking research from The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. This study highlights how dancing, specifically the tango, can aid in easing the side effects of chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, commonly known as CIN, affects a large number of cancer survivors. Research indicates that about eighty percent of breast cancer survivors experience this condition, which can lead to pain, increased risk of falls, difficulty in walking, and a decreased quality of life.

Understanding Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy

CIN typically manifests in the hands, feet, and limbs, significantly impacting day-to-day activities. The study, known as DAANCE, explored how adapted Argentine tango might help cancer survivors recover mobility while diminishing symptoms such as numbness, burning sensations, and loss of feeling in affected areas.

Led by Dr. Lise Worthen-Chaudhari from the OSU Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the research received funding from the National Institute on Aging. Worthen-Chaudhari, who once danced professionally, advocates for exploring alternative treatments for patients grappling with CIN.

Exploring the Benefits of Social Dance

The study enrolled breast cancer survivors who had completed their chemotherapy treatment at least three months prior. Early findings reveal that engaging in small doses of social dance may significantly enhance dual-task performance when compared to traditional home exercise routines.

This indicates that the cognitive engagement involved in social dancing could play a crucial role in recovery. Just twenty minutes of social dancing several times a week might initiate a process that helps rewire neuropathways affected by cancer therapy, according to Dr. Worthen-Chaudhari.

Preliminary Findings Encourage Further Research

Initial data demonstrates that tango lessons may yield improvements in balance, cognitive function, motor skills, and overall neuropathy symptoms. The 120 beats per minute rhythm of the Argentine tango activates an intriguing neural mechanism known as entrainment. This phenomenon describes how two or more oscillating systems, such as brainwaves or behaviors, come into alignment.

Dr. Worthen-Chaudhari emphasizes that the rhythm of tango makes it particularly suited for aiding recovery. She notes that practicing the dance a couple of times per week delivers various positive effects, including movement facilitation, social connection, and rhythmic entrainment—components that individually promote recovery but combined may enhance outcomes significantly.

The Impact of Tango on Neural Health

Evidence accumulated during the pilot study indicates that the repetitive movements and soothing music integral to tango aid in remapping the nerves damaged by chemotherapy. While the current focus is on breast cancer survivors, other health studies have showcased success in using adapted tango to improve balance and cognition in patients with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.

Dr. Worthen-Chaudhari suggests that this form of therapy might extend to individuals with various health challenges, including diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and cognitive decline associated with aging.

A Promising Future for Tango Therapy

Building on these promising findings, an expanded five-year study aims to delve deeper into the effects of tango dance on dual-task performance. Researchers plan to recruit one hundred forty breast cancer survivors from the OSU Cancer Center to explore whether the benefits of tango can be sustained over an extended period.

The ongoing investigation hopes to unravel how tango therapy may effectively enhance both movement and cognitive functions for cancer survivors and others affected by neurological challenges.

Empowering Survivors Through Dance

Dr. Worthen-Chaudhari articulates the ultimate goal of this research: to assist survivors in reclaiming their lives and positively thriving rather than merely surviving after cancer treatment. She strives to offer women a fun and effective means of improving their sensory motor skills while reducing fears associated with falling, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being.

Expressing her delight in discovering that tango dancing with a partner could be just as effective as conventional exercises in alleviating CIN symptoms, she emphasized the option of an engaging activity that avoids the need for vigorous workouts and exhaustive routines. This innovative approach to recovery inspires hope for many seeking to heal from cancer’s physical and emotional tolls.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Dance Therapy

In reviews of the initial study outcomes, Dr. Worthen-Chaudhari expressed surprise at how clear the results were even at this early stage of exploration. She believes there is significant hope for recovery, allowing individuals to overcome the many challenges posed by cancer treatments.

This unique perspective on rehabilitation signifies a leap forward in cancer recovery strategies. As the research progresses, it may pave the way for more widespread adoption of dance as an effective therapy for those recovering from the harsh effects of cancer treatments.