“SingStrong”: Singing for better lung health in COPD – A pilot study

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) affects up to 440,000 people in Ireland. Multiple domains of biopsychosocial health are affected. Community-based interventions supporting behavioral change and self-management are advocated. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy of an 8-week singing intervention, “SingStrong”, to improve biopsychosocial wellness in persons with COPD. Methods: Seventy-eight adults with COPD were recruited from three COPD Support groups in the Irish Mid-west. Pre and post-intervention testing performed by physiotherapy and nursing staff comprised Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), COPD Assessment test (CAT), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Spirometry: FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC. The intervention was a weekly one-hour group class for eight weeks led by a trained choir leader at each site. This included physical and vocal warm-up, breathing exercises and singing. Participants were given a songbook based on their song preferences and a CD with vocal, breathing exercises and songs, and encouraged to practice daily. Semi-structured focus groups were conducted post intervention. Parametric or non-parametric t-tests were conducted to establish significance. Results: Fifty-eight (74%) participants who attended at least 4/8 session were re-tested. There was a statistically significant improvement in 6MWT (p = .02), non-significant improvements in CAT (p = .24) and HADS Depression (p = .238), and non-significant worsening in HADS Anxiety (p = .34). All qualitative feedback was positive, including improvements in breathing, quality of life and intervention enjoyment. Principal Conclusions: Singing for lung health has positive implications for persons with COPD. Future longer studies should examine outcomes of exacerbation level, hospitalization and medication use.