Objective: To investigate the perceptions and views of people with Parkinson’s (PWP) and their carers after completing a six month weekly group singing intervention.

Background: Due to the chronic progressive nature of Parkinson’s disease, and lack of no known cure, it is vital to provide a rehabilitation program which supports the long-term managements of symptoms and promote better quality of life for PWP and their carers. Research has clearly documented the benefits of group singing for a range of physical, mental and spiritual conditions (1). However, the potential health benefits of singing for PWP have not been fully explored. This study investigates in depth the impacts of group singing on their health and well-being.

Methods: PWP and their carers (N=74/40) took part in a weekly group singing program (breathing, vocal warm-ups, song singing) for 6 months. Follow-up in-depth semi-structured interviews (PWP 68/carers 21) were conducted and analysed using theoretical thematic analysis to identify common themes.

Results: The overall impact of singing both on physical symptoms, such as speech/voice and breathing, and also the psycho-social impact of group singing were identified as key themes. Additionally, a sense of well-being; mood and outlook on life; peer support; and participants’ engagement with the singing program/facilitator were core themes. Participants indicated that they had benefited physically from the project saying that their voice was now stronger and louder. They had improved breathing and the capacity to “keep the notes a bit longer than what I used to”. They also felt stimulated to be active and “more likely to do more exercise”. They commented on their enhanced self-esteem or confidence and an increased positive mood. A major aim, to enjoy the experience, was strongly supported: “you try to bring us out of our shells … make us feel comfortable”.

Conclusions: These qualitative data provide important insights into the lived experience of the group singing intervention and its impacts on PWP’s health and well-being. The Sing to Beat Parkinson’s® program has demonstrated that group singing can provide valuable support for both PWP and carers faced with relentless challenges of a chronic health condition. Combined with quantitative data (2) they make a compelling case to have group singing ‘on demand’ for PWP and carers.

References: 1. Lee P, Stewart D, Clift S. Does group singing affect quality of life? Evidence from Australian choirs. In B-L Bartleet & L Higgins (Eds) The Oxford Handbook of Community Music, OUP, NY; 2018. ISBN: 9780190219505 Chapter 25 pp 503-524. 2. Irons JY, Hancox G, & Stewart D. Sing to Beat Parkinson’s®: A Group Singing Intervention for People with Parkinson’s and their Carers (a submitted Conference Abstract for International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders, Hong Kong 2018).

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/theres-still-life-after-parkinsons-a-qualitative-analysis-of-the-australian-sing-to-beat-parkinsons-project/