Abstract
Little information is available about the physical fitness of opera singers. The aim of this study is to measure cardiac engagement during rehearsals and to test both cardiovascular fitness and body composition in a group of opera singers. Thirty-two opera singers (17 female and 15 male) were enrolled for the assessment of body composition by bio impedance, of cardiovascular fitness by submaximal exercise test on a cycle ergometer and the physical effort during singing. Anthropometric parameters showed an overweight condition mainly due to an increase in fat mass. Watts reached during the cycle ergometer test were below the normal range for the general population. During rehearsals, singers have reached 95% of the maximum heart rate. Nowadays, opera singers show low levels of physical fitness, but singing is an activity that requires a high heart effort. Therefore, it is recommended to involve such professionals in a gradual and individualized physical training program in order to avoid fatigue during performances and achieve a better singing performance.
Highlights
In 2008, the New York Times published an article entitled “Singing and Fitness” [1]
In these studies heart activity was associated only with breathing, of which the main outcome was heart rate variability and the aim of these studies was to verify how singing promotes a better state of wellbeing
Body composition parameters show a group with good cellular hydration and health but with an increased fat mass compartment (FM: Female = 20.8 ± 4.4; Male = 11.8 ± 3.2 kg/m)
Summary
In 2008, the New York Times published an article entitled “Singing and Fitness” [1]. This article hypothesized an indirect role of the effects of singing, especially lyrical, on the cardiovascular, pulmonary and hormonal systems. To date, the cardiovascular effort to which opera singers are subjected during rehearsals is not yet known and cardiac activity during singing has been monitored only in two studies [2,3]. In these studies heart activity was associated only with breathing, of which the main outcome was heart rate variability and the aim of these studies was to verify how singing promotes a better state of wellbeing
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
