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People with Parkinson's disease can sing better, according to research.
A pilot study found that singing therapy resulted in fewer involuntary movements, improved mood, and less stress.
The researchers warned that early results should be treated with caution, but indicated that the benefits to patients were comparable to those of taking medication.
Dr. Elizabeth Stegemoller, of Iowa State University in the United States, said, "We see improvement every week when they leave the singing group. It's almost like they have a little lash in their step.
Some of the bettering symptoms, such as patting your fingers and gait, do not always respond easily to medications, but when singing, they improve.
Dr. Elizabeth Stegemoller, Iowa State University
"We know they feel better and their mood is high.
"Some of the bettering symptoms, such as finger tapping and gait, do not always respond easily to medications, but by singing, they improve."
Parkinson's disease results in a gradual loss of motor control, resulting in uncontrollable tremors, stiffness, slow movements and difficulty walking.
Problems of thought and behavior can also occur.
Every year, around 145,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with Parkinson's.
The disease is linked to insufficient levels of dopamine in the brain, a brain chemical, but its causes are still poorly understood. Genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role.
Dr. Stegemoller's team studied 17 Parkinson's patients enrolled in a therapeutic singing group.
Participants' heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol stress hormone levels were measured.
The three readings were reduced by singing, but not of a statistically significant value.
Researchers are studying the possible effects of singing on inflammation, neuroplasticity – the brain's ability to rebuild itself to compensate for an injury or illness – and blood levels of oxytocin, a binding hormone.
Dr. Elizabeth Shirtcliff, also from the state of Iowa, said, "One of the reasons for the lowering of cortisol could be due to the fact that singing participants feel positive and less stressed when they are in the mood. they sing with other members of the group. This suggests that we can examine oxytocin, a binding hormone.
"We are also looking at the heart rate and its variability, which can tell us how calm and physiologically relaxed the person is after singing."
Earlier work by the same team has shown that singing can improve respiratory control and the ability to swallow Parkinson's patients.
The research was presented at the 2018 Society for Neuroscience meeting in San Diego.
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