Earticle

Argentine tango (tango) has been applied therapeutically in recent decades for neurologic diseases, including Parkinson’s disease. Recently, the basic terminology of tango was defined, and the most simple and basic tango elements were classified for therapeutic purposes. Subsequently, the tango stance and posture were analysed systemically according to their functional anatomical descriptions, and the characteristics of tango gait were thus ascertained. Analysis was performed in a well-equipped facility appropriate for tango lessons and with two qualified tango masters and two tango experts. The following aspects of the tango gait associated with the purpose of movement were characterized: the single-limb support and dual-limb support of body weight; the variability of direction of movement; the gait cycle in normal gait and the gait cycle unit in tango gait; the difference in the way of walking; the asymmetric shape of the Wt-gaining limb and Wt-losing limb; the vertical and side-to-side displacement of centre of mass (CoM); the step width; the active vs passive movements; the absence of hand swing and kick-off; the concurrence of the body axis, Wt axis and the vertical fixation of the body axis; the difference in the principle of step; the single-limb stance duration and dual-limb support duration; the variation in gait velocity; and the movement known as adorno. Tango therapy effects similar to the effects of running, squatting and climbing may be obtained, even at a safe, slow velocity. From a medical viewpoint, tango has therapeutic effects on the muscular strengthening of posture and gait. Consequently, the posture, gait, balancing, mobility, and the rigidity of the body are possibly improved. Tango therapy provides good modality in those patients whose mobility is not favourable, such as those with neurologic diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, and it can promote the health of older people. Additionally, tango possibly strengthens the core muscles and can be applied for urinary inconstancy. More investigation may be needed.

Argentine tango (tango) has been used in therapy in the medical field. Tango has many unique movements, and the basic elements of tango were recently analysed according to the kinematic description of tango terms. The functional anatomical significance and clinical application of tango postures and stances as well as tango gait define level 1-grade tango therapy. Tango ocho is classified as level 2-grade tango therapy and contains the distinctive motion of tango. Additionally, ocho is a way to move the free lower limb across the stance limb (the weight-supporting lower limb). An ocho pivot is unique to tango. The ocho pivot sequence (OPS) is the method for performing ocho step sequences, including ocho adelante, ocho atras and ocho cortado. The OPS consists of the following: 1st dissociation, torsion of the body (torsion), release of the torsion and 2nd dissociation. From the OPS, many artistic and characteristic motions of the tango are developed. In this article, an analysis of the unique characteristics of tango ocho was conducted, including a functional anatomical description for use in the therapeutic application of tango therapy..