Dancing the tango can relieve chemo-induced neuropathy in survivors, study finds
Dancing it out can be a great way to recover from chemotherapy, according to a recent study from The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. The research found that dancing the tango can significantly improve neurological recovery in cancer patients by reducing lingering symptoms of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIN).
Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy is a condition that can affect various parts of the body, with a higher impact on the hands, feet, and limbs. Breast cancer survivors are particularly vulnerable to CIN, with 80% of them experiencing its debilitating effects. These symptoms can include pain, falls, difficulty walking, and a diminished quality of life.
Previous studies have shown that music and exercise can help prevent neurological degeneration, which led researchers to investigate the potential benefits of dancing the tango on cancer survivors experiencing CIN. The DAANCE study, led by Dr. Lise Worthen-Chaudhari, aimed to assess how the adapted Argentine tango can improve mobility and alleviate symptoms like numbness, burning, tingling, and loss of feeling in affected areas.
The study, funded by the National Institute on Aging, focused on breast cancer survivors who had completed their chemotherapy treatment at least three months prior. Preliminary results indicated that even small doses of social dance could improve dual-task function compared to larger doses of at-home exercise. This could be attributed to the cognitive engagement required by the Argentine tango, a social dance that originated in Argentina.
Dr. Worthen-Chaudhari, a former dancer herself, emphasized the need for alternative treatment options for CIN and expressed hope for recovery from the impact of cancer on the body, brain, and nerves. The rhythmic nature of the Argentine tango, with its ideal cadence of 120 beats per minute, helps activate a neural phenomenon called entrainment, where brainwaves and behaviors align.
The study showed promising results in improving balance, cognitive function, motor function, and neuropathy symptoms in cancer survivors. The repetitive, slow music and walking dance of the tango helped re-map nerves damaged by chemotherapy, offering a fun and effective way for survivors to enhance their overall well-being.
An expanded five-year study is underway to further investigate the benefits of tango therapy on movement and cognitive functions in breast cancer survivors. The researchers aim to recruit 140 participants at the OSU Cancer Center and explore the sustainability of these effects over time.
In conclusion, dancing the tango can be a transformative therapy for cancer survivors seeking to reclaim their lives and thrive beyond mere survival. The positive effects of movement, rhythmic entrainment, and social connection offered by the tango could potentially benefit individuals with various conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, dementia, and neurodegenerative diseases. This innovative approach to recovery offers hope and healing for those navigating the challenges of cancer treatment and its aftermath.
