Alex Pachete, MA • Arla Good, PhD • Frank A. Russo, PhD | Toronto Metropolitan University,
Aphasia is a communication disorder that significantly affects social wellbeing, often resulting in social isolation and reduced quality of life for older adults. While group singing has been shown to offer psychosocial benefits, its effects on individuals with aphasia have not been thoroughly investigated. Many individuals with aphasia retain their ability to sing, making group singing a promising therapeutic intervention. This pilot study aimed to assess the effects of a 13-week group singing program on the vocal confidence, psychosocial wellbeing, and communicative function of older adults with aphasia, hypothesizing improvements in these areas.
The study recruited 10 participants with expressive aphasia from March of Dimes Canada. The program consisted of weekly 2-hour sessions for 13 weeks, led by a professional choir director and a Speech-Language Pathology student. Macro-level assessments were conducted at baseline and completion to measure changes in social well-being, life satisfaction, and vocal quality. Micro-level assessments were conducted pre- and post-singing sessions at Weeks 2, 7, and 12 to evaluate vocal confidence, mood, and social connection.
Participants reported significant improvements in vocal confidence, mood, and life satisfaction. However, no significant changes were found in social connectedness or communicative function, indicating that while the program positively impacted psychological wellbeing, it did not lead to measurable changes in participants’ social networks or speech abilities.
The findings suggest that group singing can enhance vocal confidence and psychological wellbeing in older adults with aphasia, potentially serving as a valuable adjunct to traditional aphasia rehabilitation.
Publications:
Ⓒ 2020-2024, The SingWell Project