Immediate effect of Singing on Autonomic Functions and Pulmonary Function Parameters in School Going Classical Singers and Non Singers - An Observational Study

Abstract

AIM: This study aimed to find the immediate effect of singing on autonomic functions and pulmonary functions parameters in school classical singers. Objectives: 1) To compare the autonomic and pulmonary functions in children singers before and after the singing class. 2) To compare the differences in autonomic and pulmonary functions in children singers with non singers of the same age group. Material and Method: A total of 20 healthy children of age group 9 to 12 years were included in the study. Autonomic parameters were assessed and pulmonary function tests were performed before and immediately after singing in singers. The data was compared with the non singing group who were not habitual singers. Results: The data was analyzed using SPSS (windows version 13.0) both age and gender was well matched in both the groups. The PEFR (peak expiratory flow rate) showed statistically significance (p = 0.05) between both the groups. Results within the group demonstrated statistically significant in FEV1 (force expiratory volume in one second) (p=0.004) and PEFR (p = < .001) Conclusion: The results of present study demonstrated significant difference in FEV1 and PEFR in singing group immediately after singing and better PEFR in the singing group was found when compared to non singing group.