Choral singing therapy following stroke or Parkinson’s disease: an exploration of participants’ experiences

Abstract

Purpose: People with stroke or Parkinson’s 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 Rehabilitation

• Choral 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.

• Aphasia
• Choir
• dysarthria
• Parkinson’s disease
• self-management
• stroke

Acknowledgements

This research would not be possible without the encouragement and help of the CeleBRation Choir at the Centre for Brain Research, in Auckland, New Zealand.

Declaration of interest

The corresponding author of this paper established the CeleBRation Choir and CST with NZ Registered Music Therapist Alison Talmage. Seed funding to establish the choir was received from Music Therapy New Zealand (Lindgren Fund, 2009), with further support from the New Zealand Music Foundation (Community Awards 2013). Funding for the study was provided by the Health Research Council of New Zealand (Feasibility Funding 2011).