These are the results of the newest research project
into the benefits of singing on health and well-being, conducted by a student at the Medical School of Sussex University, using our singing groups.
Breathing and Posture:
• 71.5% increased control in breathing
"It has helped me a lot in learning how to get over periods of breathlessness and get my breathing back into control"
• 24% increase in exercise tolerance
"I couldn't go up a short flight of stairs without resting twice and I couldn't go up the street I lived in, [...]. since I've started the singing class, I can do both things."
Speech:
• 14.2% increased vocal projection
"I've got Parkinson's and it's helped me feel better. I was never depressed but it has lifted my spirits even more and it's helped me project my voice, and it's given me confidence."
Social and Mood:
• 81% created new friendships
"But what is good is we notice if someone hasn't been well for a long time. We ask where they are and if they are alright. We care; we miss the people that aren't here."
• 19% felt able to join other groups
"I think a lot of older people. I know I do, just feel as if they're a nuisance and in the way. When I am here I get over that quite easily."
• 71.4% increased their sense of happiness
"It's made me appreciate life and it's good."
Healthcare professionals and medication use:
• 24% decreased number of GP visits
"I feel that I've spent less time going back to my doctors with flare-ups of my COPD."
• 9% decreased hospital admissions
"[...] have been able to stay away from my doctor and the hospital and avoid the use of antibiotics and steroids."
• 19% decreased medication use
"I haven't had antibiotics for at least a year now."
With thanks to:
R. Wheatley, student at Brighton and Sussex Medical School
Dr. K. Walker-Bone, BSMS
Dr. L. Marshall-Andrews GP, Futurehealth
Dr. S. Andersen, Futurehealth
Here is an article about 'singing for health' in last September's Daily Telegraph:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/8752955/Health-choirs-lets-have-singing-on-prescription.html
This was shown by BBC news - a Parkinson's choir, connected with the Folkestone/ Canterbury people in whose research we have been taken part.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15732780
Singing for the brain (Altzheimer's and dementia):
http://www.nhs.uk/Video/Pages/singing-for-the-brain.aspx
Are there any benefits from singing in a choir?
‘Last choir standing: The great choir debate’:
“Are there any benefits from singing in a choir?”
http://www.bbc.co.uk/lastchoirstanding/questions/question2.shtml
Benefits of singing
http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/Research/Centres/SDHR/Documents/BenefitsofSinging.pdf
Southampton Silversong
http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/Research/Centres/SDHR/Documents/SouthamtonSilverSong.pdf
Singing for the brain (Altzheimer's)
http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/Research/Centres/SDHR/Documents/SingingForTheBrain.pdf
The Silver song project
http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/Research/Centres/SDHR/Documents/FormulativeEvalSummary.pdf
Choral singing, wellbeing and health
http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/Research/Centres/SDHR/Documents/ChoralSingingSummary.pdf
Singing & Health report
http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/Research/Centres/SDHR/Documents/SingingAndHealthFullReport.pdf
How singing unlocks the brain
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4448634.stm
Singing strengthens the immune system
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2004-01-19/scientists-say-singing-boosts-immune-system/121668
Singing with COPD patients:
http://www.itv.com/meridian-west/sing-to-help-lungs83263/
Parkinson’s Choir:
"Singing in a choir 'brings both health and happiness'" BBC
http://www.itv.com/meridian-west/sing-to-help-lungs83263/
Singing for the Heart:
http://www.stroke.org.uk/media_centre/podcast/sussex_aphasia.html
Singing with COPD patients:
http://www.itv.com/meridian-west/sing-to-help-lungs83263/
Parkinson’s Choir:
"Singing in a choir 'brings both health and happiness'" BBC
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15732780
Singing for the Heart:
http://www.heartresearch.org.uk/hearthealth/singinggood
Singing with Stroke patients:
http://www.stroke.org.uk/media_centre/podcast/sussex_aphasia.html