Group Singing to Support Wellbeing and Communication in Members of the Treble Tremors

Group singing to support wellbeing and communication in members of the Treble Tremors

RESEARCH TEAM

Annabel J. Cohen, PhD | University of Prince Edward Island

BACKGROUND

Group singing is increasingly recognized and recommended as a valuable intervention to support people with Parkinson’s Disease with vocal communication, mental health and quality of life. This study aims to contribute to a deeper empirical validation and understanding of these benefits, by examining the impacts of participation in an online singing group ––the Treble Tremors –– for people with Parkinson’s Disease in Prince Edward Island.

METHODS

A custom suite of online tests was developed for this study. This included: 1) A singing assessment (MAST-21) with automated pitch analysis; 2) A survey of PD symptoms, quality of life, speech, and hearing ability, administered at the beginning and end of 12 weekly choir rehearsals of the Treble Tremors.

Emotional state was measured (through the PANAS test) before and after rehearsals on 3 occasions across the 12 weeks of rehearsals. These represent macro- and micro-measures, as well as both quantitative and qualitative data, consistent with SingWell research protocols.

RESULTS

This study is currently in progress. Use the box below to sign up for our newsletter to hear about research updates and activities as we announce them!