Posts Tagged ‘Gammon M. Earhart’
">
A study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis shows that patients who took part in regular tango classes for 20 sessions showed significant improvements when compared to those who did conventional exercise.
WASHINGTON-ST. LOUIS (US)/strong>—Dancing the tango may improve balance and mobility in people with Parkinson’s disease. A study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis shows that patients who took part in regular tango classes for 20 sessions showed significant improvements when compared to those who did conventional exercise.
While dance in general may be beneficial for patients with Parkinson’s disease, the researchers say tango uses several aspects of movement that my be especially relevant for these patients including dynamic balance, turning, initiation of movement, moving at a variety of speeds, and walking backward.
“Although some participants were initially skeptical because they hadn’t danced in years or thought they couldn’t because of the disease, this study shows that dance can improve functional mobility,” says Gammon M. Earhart, assistant professor of physical therapy. Continue…
