Article

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of singing training on respiratory function,
voice, mood, and quality of life for people with quadriplegia. DESIGN: Randomized
controlled trial. SETTING:
Large, university-affiliated public hospital,
Victoria, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Participants (N=24) with chronic quadriplegia
(C4-8, American Spinal Injury Association grades A and B). INTERVENTIONS: The
experimental group (n=13) received group singing training 3 times weekly for 12
weeks. The control group (n=11) received group music appreciation and relaxation
for 12 weeks. Assessments were conducted pre, mid-, immediately post-, and
6-months postintervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Standard respiratory function
testing, surface electromyographic activity from accessory respiratory muscles,
sound pressure levels during vocal tasks, assessments of voice quality
(Perceptual Voice Profile, Multidimensional Voice Profile), and Voice Handicap
Index, Profile of Mood States, and Assessment of Quality of Life instruments.
RESULTS: The singing group increased projected speech intensity (P=.028) and
maximum phonation length (P=.007) significantly more than the control group.
Trends for improvements in respiratory function, muscle strength, and recruitment
were also evident for the singing group. These effects were limited by small
sample sizes with large intersubject variability. Both groups demonstrated an
improvement in mood (P=.002), which was maintained in the music appreciation and
relaxation group after 6 months (P=.017). CONCLUSIONS:
Group music therapy can
have a positive effect on not only physical outcomes, but also can improve mood,
energy, social participation, and quality of life for an at-risk population, such
as those with quadriplegia. Specific singing therapy can augment these general
improvements by improving vocal intensity.
CI - Copyright (c) 2013 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS