Music therapy can reduce the stress level of people with Parkinson's disease

Researchers at Iowa State University in the United States have found that singing can reduce the stress and symptoms of Parkinson's disease. According to scientists, the benefits of music therapy were similar to those of taking medication. They measured cortisol levels, heart rate and blood pressure of 17 participants in a therapeutic singing group

. Participants also reported feelings of anxiety, sadness, happiness and anger. Before and after an hour singing session, the data was collected. According to the Hindustan Times newspaper, Elizabeth Stegemoller, an badistant professor at Iowa State University, reported seeing an improvement each week as participants left the singing group. It's almost like they have a little lash in their step. And the researchers learned that they felt better and that their mood was high. According to Stegemoller, some of the bettering symptoms, such as finger tapping and gait, do not always respond easily to medication, but with singing, they improve.

This is one of the first studies to look at how singing affects heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol in people with Parkinson's disease. The three levels were reduced, but the measures did not reach statistical significance, according to Stegemoller. There was no significant difference in happiness or anger after clbad. However, the participants were less anxious and less sad.

To improve the respiratory control and muscles used to swallow in people with Parkinson's disease, the research builds on the team's earlier findings that singing is an effective treatment. to improve motor symptoms, stress and quality of life for people with Parkinson's disease, therapeutic singing can offer an affordable and accessible treatment option.

Published: November 9, 2018 at 3:10 pm