Scientists claim that musical therapy can sometimes be as effective as taking medication. The same scientists thus believe that singing could help reduce the symptoms of stress and Parkinson's disease. As part of the study conducted, researchers from Iowa State University in the US measured heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol levels for 17 participants in a therapeutic singing group.
“We see the improvement every week when they leave the singing group. It’s almost like they have a little pep in their step. We know they’re feeling better and their mood is elevated,” said Elizabeth Stegemoller, an assistant professor at Iowa State University. “Some of the symptoms that are improving, such as finger tapping and the gait, don’t always readily respond to medication, but with singing, they’re improving,” said Stegemoller.
This is one of the first studies that look into singing and how it affects the heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol in people with Parkinson’s disease. Post the study conducted, there were no significant differences in happiness or anger after the singing class. However, participants were less anxious and sad. The research team's previous findings were that singing is an effective treatment to improve respiratory control and the muscles used for swallowing in people with Parkinson’s disease and this latest study just builds on that.
The researchers said that therapeutic singing, as mentioned in the study, has the potential to provide an accessible and affordable treatment option to improve motor symptoms, stress and quality of life for people with Parkinson’s disease.
