The study examines how adapted Argentine tango dance therapy can help breast cancer survivors

The study examines how adapted Argentine tango dance therapy can help breast cancer survivors

Adapted Argentine tango dance therapy helps some breast cancer survivors regain natural balance and feeling after suffering from neuropathy, a common side effect of chemotherapy treatment. The expansion of a new clinical trial will further examine how this musical movement intervention can “rewire” the brain to improve function following the nerve changes associated with chemotherapy.

Lise Worthen-Chaudhari, doctoral thesis, a scientist at The Ohio State University-Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC-James) and the Ohio State University College of Medicine Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, who are researching the study to feel sensation and nerve damage. This approach combines the fun of adapted Argentine tango with scientific techniques to help survivors restore their balance, gait and foot/hand feel.

Neuropathy affects the nerves in the hands and feet, causing numbness, burning, and loss of sensation. This condition increases the risk of falls and makes everyday activities challenging for up to 80% of cancer survivors treated with taxane-based chemotherapies. Worthen-Chaudhari notes that this new dance therapy is life-saving for many, but also improves quality of life by relieving nerve neuropathy.

Essentially, this work is about helping survivors reclaim their lives and thrive, rather than just survive. It's about giving them a fun and effective way to improve their sensory motor skills and reduce fear of falling and ultimately improve their overall well-being. “

Lise Worthen-Chaudhari, PhD, scientist, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

Importance of “Dual-Task” feature

In 2024, Worth-Chaudhari and colleagues reported using study pilot data that among breast cancer survivors with neuropathy, small doses of social dancing improved dual-task function compared to larger doses of home exercise, possibly due to differences in cognitive engagement.

In an expanded five-year study, Worthen-Chaudhari and her colleagues expect to recruit 140 breast cancer survivors who will receive treatment at OSUCCC-James and Yale University. The study will focus on measuring dual-task performance, which is the ability to move and think at the same time. This is important for daily activities such as walking and interacting with loved ones. The research aims to determine whether the benefits of tango therapy can be maintained over time and whether the therapy can improve both movement and cognitive function.

"This connection between the brain and body improves coordination and reduces the risk of storms. Our pilot study data showed that just 20 minutes of social dancing a few times a week could rewire the neuropathies affected by cancer treatment," said Worthen-Chaudhari, noting that this works for people with other conditions that could affect the feet and general feet.

Why Argentine Tango Adapted?

Exercise is one way to increase blood flow to damaged nerve tissue, but long-term commitment to the intervention is challenging.

The rhythm of Argentine tango, which is about 120 beats per minute, helps activate a neural phenomenon called entrainment (coordination of rhythms), whereby two or more oscillating systems (such as brain waves or behaviors) are aligned. This is where the concept of dual-task capabilities comes into play. The sound of music nerves nerves in the brain for body movement. Pilot data shows that these repetitive, slow music and walking dance nerves are damaged by chemotherapy. Willingness to consistently attend therapy is a hurdle, so Worthen-Chaudhari found it was a key driver of adherence in her pilot study.

"It's really exciting to see that this type of therapy not only helps survivors feel better, but also improves their overall function and quality of life," she said.

More information

The research team is recruiting breast cancer survivors who have neuropathy due to chemotherapy. If you would like to participate in this study, call 1-800-293-5066 or visit Cancer.osu.edu.

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