Sing an effective treatment to reduce the symptoms of Parkinson's disease: study

Singing can reduce the stress and symptoms of Parkinson's, say scientists who have discovered that the benefits of music therapy are similar to those of taking medication.

Researchers at Iowa State University in the United States measured heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels in 17 participants of a therapeutic singing group.

Participants also reported feelings of sadness, anxiety, happiness and anger. Data was collected before and after an hour singing session.

"We are seeing an improvement every week when they leave the singing group – it's almost like they've had a little lash – we know they feel better and their mood is high." said Elizabeth Stegemoller, assistant professor at Iowa State University. .

"Some of the bettering symptoms, such as patting and gait, do not always respond easily to medications, but by singing, they improve," Stegemoller said.

This is one of the first studies on the impact of singing on heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol in people with Parkinson's disease. The three levels were reduced, but Stegemoller said that with the preliminary data, the measurements were not statistically significant.

There was no significant difference in happiness or anger after class. However, the participants were less anxious and sad.

The research builds on the team's earlier findings that singing is an effective treatment for improving respiratory control and muscles used for swallowing in people with Parkinson's disease.

The researchers said that therapeutic singing could offer an affordable and accessible treatment option to improve motor symptoms, stress and quality of life for people with Parkinson's disease.

(With agency contributions.)