The effect of group singing on the voice and swallow function of healthy, sedentary, older adults: A pilot study

Abstract

Reduced respiratory function can impact an older adult's nutritional intake, exercise endurance, and social engagement, which can affect an individual's quality of life. Because respiratory health can be maintained, regained or rehabilitated through regular exercise and stress management, early intervention may play an important role in the health of older adults. Music therapy may provide effective treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a group singing protocol on the conversational intensity, maximum phonation time, and mean swallowing pressure of healthy, sedentary, older adults.Participants (N=20) were randomly assigned to either experimental group A – a 4 week program – or experimental group B – an 8 week program. Each group attended twice weekly rehearsals lasting for 45min. Rehearsals utilized vocal exercises, vocal pedagogy, and singing songs characterized by wide ranges, lyrical tongue twisters, and dynamic variation. Rehearsals were conducted by a board-certified music therapist specializing in voice.Results showed significant increases in all areas of measurement suggesting that group singing interventions may meaningfully contribute to the respiratory health of the older adult population. Implications for future research are discussed.