Objective: To improve the quality of life (QoL) of People with Parkinson’s (PwP) and their carers using a group singing intervention

Background: As Parkinson’s disease progressively worsens, the QoL of both PwP and their carers can be affected by its relentless challenges. Neurologically, singing is a complex activity integrating auditory and sensorimotor processes. Previous singing studies have found that singing was positively associated with improved QoL in PwP (1). Sing to Beat Parkinson’s® (StBP®) employs a holistic approach to enhancing physical, psychological and social well-being through group singing and has been practised in the UK since 2010 (2). This trial was the first Australian study including both PwP and their carers, to investigate the effects of the StBP® program on the QoL.

Methods: PwP (N=74) and their carers (N=40) took part in a weekly one-hour group singing. The 6 month program consisted of breathing exercises, vocal warm-ups, and preferred song singing together with home singing exercises (10-15 min x 3 per week). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY) and the general linear model was used to compare pre and post intervention QoL data of PwP and their carers.

Results: 78 participants completed the group singing intervention (including 21 carers) and their QoL status (using PDQ-39, PDQ Carer). The mean age of PwP was 71 (SD=7.7) with mean diagnosis time of 7.4 years (SD=5.2); 46.4% were male. PwP demonstrated statistically significant improvement in the QoL domains of Stigma (p=.001), Social Support (p=.002), Emotional Well-being (p=.005), Activities of Daily Living (p=.006), and Mobility (p=.007), although they showed significantly worsened Bodily Discomfort domain (p=.000). No statistical significance was detected in PDQ39 Summary score, Cognitive impairments and Communication domains. Carers QoL did not demonstrate a statistically significant improvement.

Conclusions: We believe this is the largest QoL study of the impact of a group singing intervention. The results suggest that a one-hour weekly group singing program for six months was effective in enhancing QoL of PwP. The StBP® program reduced stigma, increased emotional well-being, social support, mobility and everyday activities. Although the carers reported positive experiences of singing, PDQ Carer measures did not show a statistically significant improvement. The StBP® program could be included as part of multidisciplinary Parkinson’s management plan to promote better QoL supporting PwP and their carers.

References: 1. Stegemöller EL, Radig H, Hibbing P, Wingate J, Sapienza C. Effects of singing on voice, respiratory control and quality of life in persons with Parkinson’s disease. Disability and Rehabilitation. 2017;39(6):594-600. 2. Vella-Burrows T, Hancox G. Singing and People with Parkinson’s. http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/health-and-wellbeing/sidney-de-haan-research-centre/sidney-de-haan-research-centre.aspx: Sidney de Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health; 2012.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/sing-to-beat-parkinsons-a-group-singing-intervention-for-people-with-parkinsons-and-their-carers/