title: Argentine tango dance compared to mindfulness meditation and a waiting-list control: a randomised trial for treating depression.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study employed analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and multiple regression analysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninety-seven people with self-declared depression were randomised into tango dance or mindfulness meditation classes, or to control/waiting-list.
  
  
  METHODS
  classes were conducted in a venue suitable for both activities in the metropolitan area of Sydney, Australia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants completed six-week programmes (1½h/week of tango or meditation). The outcome measures were assessed at pre-test and post-test.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: University of New England, Australia. rpinnige@une.edu.au
authors.forename: Rosa
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pinniger
authors.forename: Rhonda F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Einar B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Thorsteinsson
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: McKinley
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001007:Anxiety / Q000628:therapy; D001118:Argentina; D003614:Dance Therapy; D003615:Dancing / Q000523:psychology*; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019122:Meditation / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D019222:Mind-Body Relations, Metaphysical; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012649:Self Concept; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000628:therapy*; D014850:Waiting Lists; D055815:Young Adult