Leader and Follower Roles in Adapted Tango Reveal Complementary Neural Routes to Motor Improvement in Parkinson's Disease

A study examined the effects of adapted tango on Parkinson's disease patients over 12 weeks. Participants were divided into three groups: Leaders (who self-initiated movements), Followers (who were guided by their partner), and a Control group (health education). Both dance groups showed significant improvement in overall disease severity and motor impairment, while the Control group did not demonstrate comparable improvement. Leaders showed neural network stability and shifted toward lower connectivity values resembling healthy older adults. Followers showed increased connectivity in sensorimotor and caudate-motor circuits supported by partner cues. The results indicate that adapted tango improves motor outcomes through complementary mechanisms of internally generated and externally guided movement.