Summary
This summary focuses on the paper by Worthen-Chaudhari et al. (2019) titled “Partnered, adapted Argentine tango dance for cancer survivors: A feasibility study and pilot study of efficacy.” This article is an explanation of the study that the authors conducted on cancer patients who have undergone chemotherapy treatment. The main concern with these treatments is the neurological effect that they have and the adverse impact on postural control and peripheral neuropathy. To address this issue, practitioners have developed several types of exercises that would train the patients’ muscles. However, Worthen-Chaudhari et al. (2019) offer training based on the Argentine tango dance adapted to address these adversities. Hence, over the course of this study, the authors evaluated the effect of the adapted Argentine Tango on the cancer patient’s neurological function.
Twenty-two cancer patients were enrolled in this study, and each participated in a one-hour dance class twice a week. In total, 16 classes were offered to the participants, and the efficacy of this approach was measured by examining the center of pressure. The results suggest that the adapted Argentinian Tango is a feasible measure for cancer patient survivors to address their postural control difficulties after treatment. The current study by Worthen-Chaudhari et al. (2019) is the first to assess Tango as a community-based exercise practice for cancer survivors, including those with substantial postural control impairments. The hypotheses were proven correct, and the authors provided empirical evidence. A large number of survivors enthusiastically engaged in the 10-week intervention. Second, several measures of postural control improved in participants whose balance function was inadequate at baseline in comparison to established standards. Third, individuals who registered with a companion had a greater rate of attendance. Hence, the adapted Argentine Tango has proven to be an effective measure for addressing postural control in the cancer survivors population.
Analysis
The paper by Worthen-Chaudhari et al. (2019) relates to the view of healthcare from the perspective of the healer as an artist and scientist. This connection is the result of the researchers using art as a way of addressing a medical problem, which is the postural control of cancer survivors. In contrast to the approach they offered, one could use the standard exercises that were designed to help regain postural control. However, the researchers decided to examine the efficiency of an approach that would be more interesting and engaging, which is a dance. This combination of science and art has allowed them to find a more effective way of helping patients, as together with addressing their medical condition; they learned a new skill. This approach shows that healthcare is more than the prescription of medication and requires specialists to use their creative thinking skills to help patients.
This approach exemplifies the cultural-historical response because it allows engaging people in culturally significant activities. Hence, methods similar to the one examined in the study in question help enrich individuals culturally as well as address healthcare concerns. Over the course of history, art and health have been at the forefront of human attention. Despite this, and despite the invested effort and advancement of knowledge and understanding in each domain, it is intriguing that medical professionals frequently find themselves in a challenging situation when they encounter a combination of art and health and their societal value. The relationship between art and health, however, is evident in the way it allows to design of therapies that are more effective than traditional ones. In summary, the combination of art and health allows researchers and practitioners to find better approaches to treatment.
Reference
Worthen-Chaudhari, L., Lamantia, M., Monfort, S., Mysiw, W., Chaudhari, A., & Lustberg, M. (2019). Partnered, adapted argentine tango dance for cancer survivors: A feasibility study and pilot study of efficacy. Clinical Biomechanics, 70, 257-264. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2019.08.010