Unexpected health benefits of singing

Your morning sing-song in the shower may be doing more for your mental health than you may think.

Or sound.

More than 70 Parkinson's patients in Queensland are involved in a Griffith University trial to see how singing could help battle Parkinson's disease.

The participants need to sing for one hour a day over six months.

Queensland Conservatorium Research Centre's Professor Don Stewart said that, so far, all participants experience a better quality of life during the trial – regardless of singing ability.

"But in particular one that stands out is stigma or perceived stigma for example where people felt they had to conceal their Parkinson's from others or avoid situations which involve eating or drinking in public," he said.

"They felt less worried about people's reaction to them. Felt less embarrassed.

"We also got significant improvements in terms of mobility."

The group held their first live concert last week at the Queensland Conservatorium, singing Neil Diamond songs in honour of the hitmaker who had to cancel his 50th anniversary tour this year due to his own Parkinson's diagnosis. 

Part of the study is to do vocal warm ups, breating exercise and the opportuniy to engage in social activities.

Parkinson's disease affects around 700,000 Australians, with people over 50 being at risk.

Read more at www.abc.net.au

4 comments

Singing is actually dangerous to my health - when I sing, people threaten me with violence to make me stop.

However, there are benefits - my partner sings, so I have some great relaxing time alone, when she goes off to her choir.

Related image

"But in particular one that stands out is stigma or perceived stigma for example where people felt they had to conceal their Parkinson's from others or avoid situations which involve eating or drinking in public," he said. "They felt less worried about people's reaction to them. Felt less embarrassed.”

Wonder how much the fact that the participants were out and about socialising with those in a similar similar health situation and trying to achieve a common goal with their group mattered.

Much more than the singing factor I would suggest, although that approach sounds like another great option.

Any cohesive group social endeavour for those in similar circumstances would do the same IMO. I do rehab exercise classes with a group who have COPD/heart issues, same positive results from what I’ve observed.

They do the vibrato well

Do you need batteries for that ?

You have to spoil every decent conversation Raphael. Where the hell is your mind??

Has he got one????

Singing is one of the most helpful activities in hospitals in Europe and the US today. Even dementia patients get a lot of benefit from singing and for Parkinson sufferers it is a great boon to their quality of life. Great topic.

4 comments



To make a comment, please register or login

Preview your comment