The impact of adapted tango dance on cognitive and executive function in older adults: A randomized controlled trial

Yuexin Zhang; Hongli Zhang; Hongtao Ma

doi:10.1016/j.exger.2025.113012

The impact of adapted tango dance on cognitive and executive function in older adults: A randomized controlled trial

Exp Gerontol. 2026 Jan:213:113012. doi: 10.1016/j.exger.2025.113012. Epub 2025 Dec 22.

Authors

Yuexin Zhang¹, Hongli Zhang², Hongtao Ma³

Affiliations

¹ College of Education, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China. Electronic address: 2025110023@bsu.edu.cn.
² College of Education, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China. Electronic address: 2024110053@bsu.edu.cn.
³ College of Education, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China. Electronic address: mm9094@sina.com.

PMID: 41443325
DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2025.113012

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 12-week adapted tango program on executive and cognitive function in older adults.

Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, fifty Chinese older adults (aged 60-69 years) were randomly assigned to either an adapted tango intervention group (n = 25) or a control group (n = 25) maintaining usual daily habits. The intervention group completed a 12-week adapted tango program (twice weekly, 60 min per session). Executive function was assessed using the Flanker task, Dimensional Change Card Sort (DCCS) task, and N-back task, while global cognition was measured with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA was performed to examine group × time interactions, followed by Bonferroni-adjusted post-hoc comparisons. Effect sizes were calculated using Cohen's d.

Results: Significant group × time interactions were found for Flanker reaction time (RT) and accuracy (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001), with improvements in the tango group but no changes in the control group. DCCS RT and accuracy also showed significant improvements (p < 0.001), while the control group exhibited no changes. Significant improvements were noted in N-back RT and accuracy (p = 0.008 and p < 0.001), with no changes observed in the control group. Additionally, MMSE total and subdomains (e.g., orientation) significantly improved (p < 0.001), with no changes in the controls. MoCA total and subdomains (e.g., visuospatial/executive) significantly improved (p < 0.001), while no changes were found in the control group.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that adapted tango may be an effective non-pharmacological intervention for enhancing executive and cognitive functions in older adults, with potential implications for promoting cognitive health in aging populations.

Keywords: Adapted tango; Cognitive function; Executive function; Older adults; Randomized controlled trial.

Publication types

Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

Aged
Cognition*
Dance Therapy* / methods
Dancing*
Executive Function*
Female
Humans
Male
Mental Status and Dementia Tests
Middle Aged
Neuropsychological Tests
Reaction Time