Argentine tango dance compared to mindfulness meditation and a waiting-list control: A randomised trial for treating depression. 


Author: Pinniger R, Brown RF, Thorsteinsson EB, McKinley P.

Affiliation: University of New England, Australia. Electronic address: rpinnige@une.edu.au. 
Conference/Journal: Complement Ther Med.
Date published: 2012 dec
Other:
 Volume ID: 20   ,  Issue ID: 6   ,  Pages: 377-84   ,  Special Notes: doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2012.07.003.   ,  Word Count: 225  
    OBJECTIVES:

To determine whether tango dancing is as effective as mindfulness meditation in reducing symptoms of psychological stress, anxiety and depression, and in promoting well-being.

DESIGN:

This study employed analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and multiple regression analysis.

PARTICIPANTS:

Ninety-seven people with self-declared depression were randomised into tango dance or mindfulness meditation classes, or to control/waiting-list.

SETTING:

classes were conducted in a venue suitable for both activities in the metropolitan area of Sydney, Australia.

INTERVENTIONS:

Participants completed six-week programmes (1½h/week of tango or meditation). The outcome measures were assessed at pre-test and post-test.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale; The Self Esteem Scale; Satisfaction with Life Scale, and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale.

RESULTS:

Sixty-six participants completed the program and were included in the statistical analysis. Depression levels were significantly reduced in the tango (effect size d=0.50, p=.010), and meditation groups (effect size d=0.54, p=.025), relative to waiting-list controls. Stress levels were significantly reduced only in the tango group (effect size d=0.45, p=.022). Attending tango classes was a significant predictor for the increased levels of mindfulness R(2)=.10, adjusted R(2)=.07, F (2,59)=3.42, p=.039.

CONCLUSION:

Mindfulness-meditation and tango dance could be effective complementary adjuncts for the treatment of depression and/or inclusion in stress management programmes. Subsequent trials are called to explore the therapeutic mechanisms involved.

Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

PMID: 23131367