Energetics, kinematics, and physiologic aspects of tango walking in the leader role

Tango has therapeutic potential to improve gait and quality of life in populations with locomotor impairments. However, quantitative biomechanical and metabolic evidence remains limited. Tango walking in the leader role involves gait modifications that may affect locomotor economy. This study quantified metabolic cost, mechanical work, centre of mass motion and energetics during tango walking, and compared these variables with self-selected walking at similar speeds. We hypothesized that tango walking would increase cost of transport, reduce efficiency, and be associated with modifications in centre of mass motion and spatiotemporal gait parameters.

Seventeen advanced tango dancers participated in the study, performing two 5-minute trials: self-selected walking and tango walking in the leader role just Milonga music. Oxygen consumption was measured to compute net metabolic power and cost of transport. Whole-body kinematics were recorded using a 3D motion capture system to reconstruct the centre of mass trajectories and compute spatiotemporal and mechanical variables. Statistical comparisons between conditions were performed using paired tests for discrete variables and Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) for time-series data.

Walking speed did not differ between conditions. Tango walking increased metabolic power and cost of transport (≈+50%) and reduced efficiency, without significant changes in mechanical work. SPM analyses revealed centre of mass trajectories with reduced lateral oscillations during mid-stance and greater knee flexion throughout stance.

Tango walking to a milonga rhythm (stride frequency: 0.87 ± 0.22 Hz) increases metabolic demand without proportional changes in mechanical work. These changes are accompanied by alterations in knee kinematics and centre of mass trajectory. The findings suggest potential mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of tango on gait and balance, which require confirmation in neurological populations.