Many people with Parkinson’s experience voice and communication challenges due to movement difficulties in the muscles required to produce speech. A new study investigated the effect of community choir programs on vocal production in individuals living with Parkinson’s. They found that community choir improved many vocal challenges that people with Parkinson’s experience because singing helps strengthen muscles needed in vocal production. Significant improvements were seen in pitch, duration, and sound intensity. Improved speech production can greatly benefit communication in Parkinson’s. It could help people better articulate their thoughts or needs and may lead to decreased social isolation in people with Parkinson’s as they are more confident to engage in conversation without fear of being misunderstood. Additionally, community choir programs are offered in a group setting which increases participant attendance and, by extension, the likelihood that benefits will be seen. The group program also allows for greater access to those living with PD.

Drs. Arla Good and Frank Russo from the Department of Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University collected data for this study from twenty-two people divided between two choir groups. One choir group was based in Winnipeg and the other in Toronto. At the sessions, participants were given specific exercises to work on different elements of vocal production. The sessions were held weekly, and participants were given homework to practice between sessions.

“A simple community-based choir generated improvements across several measures of vocal production. For example, following 12-weeks of singing, participants could hold a sustained note for more time and with more control. In our view, this approach to voice therapy is scalable and highly enjoyable,” explains Dr. Russo. Interestingly, the two groups that were included in this study have continued to meet on a weekly basis months after the study has concluded.

These early results suggest community choirs may help with voice challenges in Parkinson’s. The team at Toronto Metropolitan University are finalizing plans for the next phase of this research. Opportunities to participate in research studies like this are shared regularly on our website.