Choral singing therapy following stroke or Parkinsons disease: An exploration of participants experiences

Fogg-Rogers, Laura; Buetow, Stephen; Talmage, Alison; Mccann, Clare M.; Leão, Sylvia H.S.; Tippett, Lynette; Leung, Joan; Mcpherson, Kathryn M.; Purdy, Suzanne C.

Abstract

© 2015 Informa UK Ltd. Purpose: People with stroke or Parkinsons disease (PD) live with reduced mood, social participation and quality of life (QOL). Communication difficulties affect 90% of people with PD (dysarthria) and over 33% of people with stroke (aphasia). These consequences are disabling in many ways. However, as singing is typically still possible, its therapeutic use is of increasing interest. This article explores the experiences of and factors influencing participation in choral singing therapy (CST) by people with stroke or PD and their significant others. Method: Participants (eight people with stroke, six with PD) were recruited from a community music therapy choir running CST. Significant others (seven for stroke, two for PD) were also recruited. Supported communication methods were used as needed to undertake semi-structured interviews (total N = 23). Results: Thematic analysis indicated participants had many unmet needs associated with their condition, which motivated them to explore self-management options. CST participation was described as an enjoyable social activity, and participation was perceived as improving mood, language, breathing and voice. Conclusions: Choral singing was perceived by people with stroke and PD to help them self-manage some of the consequences of their condition, including social isolation, low mood and communication difficulties.Implications for RehabilitationChoral singing therapy (CST) is sought out by people with stroke and PD to help self-manage symptoms of their condition.Participation is perceived as an enjoyable activity which improves mood, voice and language symptoms.CST may enable access to specialist music therapy and speech language therapy protocols within community frameworks.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 30, 2015
• Online Publication Date: Jul 22, 2015
• Publication Date: May 7, 2016
• Deposit Date: Jul 9, 2015
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 22, 2017
• Journal: Disability and Rehabilitation
• Print ISSN: 0963-8288
• Electronic ISSN: 1464-5165
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 38
• Issue: 10
• Pages: 952-962
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3109/09638288.2015.1068875
• Keywords: stroke, Parkinson’s disease, aphasia, dysarthria, choir, self-management
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/909961
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/09638288.2015.1068875
• Additional Information: Additional Information : This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Disability and Rehabilitation on 22 July 2015, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.3109/09638288.2015.1068875
• Contract Date: Mar 22, 2016