Ann Skingley1, Stephen Clift2, Sadie Hurley2, Sonia Price2, Lizzi Stephens3. 1. Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts & Health, Canterbury Christ Church University, 69 Tontine Street, Folkestone, CT20 1JR Kent, UK. 2. Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts & Health, Canterbury Christ Church University, Kent, UK. 3. Breathe Easy South East Kent and Coastal Chair, PPI Representative (British Lung Foundation) and Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts & Health, Canterbury Christ Church University, Kent, UK.
Abstract
AIM: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major public health issue which is irreversible and progressive, but previous research suggests that singing may have beneficial effects. The aim of this study was to establish the views of participants with COPD taking part in a singing for better breathing programme. METHODS: This was a descriptive qualitative study nested within a single-cohort feasibility study which included measures of lung function and wellbeing. Participants ( n = 37) were interviewed following a community singing programme that ran over 10 months in South East England. RESULTS: Findings support those from previous studies regarding the impact of singing on respiratory wellbeing. These included the teaching on breath control, relaxation and the breathing exercises, singing as a means to deflect attention away from breathing problems, leading to increased activity levels and the mutual support for respiratory problems. Beyond the impact on breathing, the singing was also seen as fun, and provided friendship and a 'feel-good' factor which led to motivation to participate in further activities. For some, it was the highlight of the week, and singing together in a group was felt to be central to the benefits experienced. Findings are compared with the quantitative measures within the same study. CONCLUSION: The majority of participants reported improvements in respiratory symptoms as well as mental and social wellbeing following the programme. The study contributes to the evidence base in supporting and highlighting the consistently positive experiences of a large sample of participants, despite variable outcomes in clinical measures.
AIM: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major public health issue which is irreversible and progressive, but previous research suggests that singing may have beneficial effects. The aim of this study was to establish the views of participants with COPD taking part in a singing for better breathing programme. METHODS: This was a descriptive qualitative study nested within a single-cohort feasibility study which included measures of lung function and wellbeing. Participants ( n = 37) were interviewed following a community singing programme that ran over 10 months in South East England. RESULTS: Findings support those from previous studies regarding the impact of singing on respiratory wellbeing. These included the teaching on breath control, relaxation and the breathing exercises, singing as a means to deflect attention away from breathing problems, leading to increased activity levels and the mutual support for respiratory problems. Beyond the impact on breathing, the singing was also seen as fun, and provided friendship and a 'feel-good' factor which led to motivation to participate in further activities. For some, it was the highlight of the week, and singing together in a group was felt to be central to the benefits experienced. Findings are compared with the quantitative measures within the same study. CONCLUSION: The majority of participants reported improvements in respiratory symptoms as well as mental and social wellbeing following the programme. The study contributes to the evidence base in supporting and highlighting the consistently positive experiences of a large sample of participants, despite variable outcomes in clinical measures.
Authors: Mette Kaasgaard; Ingrid Charlotte Andersen; Daniel Bech Rasmussen; Ole Hilberg; Anders Løkke; Peter Vuust; Uffe Bodtger Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2020-11-30 Impact factor: 2.692
Authors: Alberto Montero-Ruiz; Laura A Fuentes; Estela Pérez Ruiz; Nuria García-Agua Soler; Francisca Rius-Diaz; Pilar Caro Aguilera; Javier Pérez Frías; Elisa Martín-Montañez Journal: PLoS One Date: 2020-10-30 Impact factor: 3.240