Singing on Prescription: Breathing New Life into Care Pathways for Individuals with Lung Health Challenges

RESEARCH TEAM

Rebecca Barnstaple, PhD | University of Guelph
Arla Good, PhD • Frank A. Russo, PhD | Toronto Metropolitan University
Jane Gosine, PhD | Memorial University of Newfoundland

BACKGROUND

Community singing groups are an example of social prescribing that addresses social determinants of health and loneliness through non-clinical services. Research has demonstrated group singing’s numerous psychosocial benefits and positive impacts on physical health, especially on lung function and vocal quality for those with breathing disorders. However, the impacts of group singing within a social prescribing context are under-researched. This project aimed to fill that gap by integrating a singing program into a social prescription approach.

METHODS

Individuals with breathing disorders received a “prescription” to join our singing program. Held weekly at Chigamik Community Health Centre, each 60-minute session included gentle physical warmups, breathing exercises, vocal warmups, and repertoire practice, followed by social time with coffee, tea, and cookies. The program was designed to be accessible for all singing abilities. No prior singing experience or auditions were required.

Before and after the 12-week program, psychosocial wellbeing was assessed through a series of questionnaires, including scales for loneliness, social connectedness, quality of life, and severity of respiratory disease. We also tested participants before and after 60 minutes of singing to gauge mood, social bonding, and states of anxiety. Additionally, we measured biosocial indicators including heart rate variability and levels of salivary cortisol and/or oxytocin.

RESULTS

While data analysis is still underway, preliminary results show that before and after 60 minutes of singing, participants reported:

Increases in feelings of trust, liking, connection, and similarity with others in the group
Decreases in levels of shortness of breath following singing
Decrease in levels of distress and anxiety

In qualitative interviews, participants expressed that the singing group had a significant impact on their physical, emotional and social wellbeing.

KNOWLEDGE DISSEMINATION

A second season of the singing program at Chigamik CHC began in October 2024. We anticipate that our findings will highlight the significant health and wellbeing benefits of group singing, as well as the cost-effectiveness of a “singing on prescription” pathway, paving the way for broader implementation in similar communities.