Article

People with stroke or Parkinson's disease (PD) live with reduced mood,
social participation and quality of life (QOL). Communication difficulties affect
90% of people with PD (dysarthria) and over 33% of people with stroke (aphasia).
These consequences are disabling in many ways.
However, as singing is typically
still possible, its therapeutic use is of increasing interest.
This article
explores the experiences of and factors influencing participation in choral
singing therapy (CST) by people with stroke or PD and their significant others.
METHOD: Participants (eight people with stroke, six with PD) were recruited from
a community music therapy choir running CST. Significant others (seven for
stroke, two for PD) were also recruited. Supported communication methods were
used as needed to undertake semi-structured interviews
(total N = 23). RESULTS:
Thematic analysis indicated participants had many unmet needs associated with
their condition, which motivated them to explore self-management options. CST
participation was described as an enjoyable social activity, and participation
was perceived as improving mood, language, breathing and voice. CONCLUSIONS:
Choral singing was perceived by people with stroke and PD to help them
self-manage some of the consequences of their condition, including social
isolation, low mood and communication difficulties. Implications for
Rehabilitation Choral singing therapy (CST) is sought out by people with stroke
and PD to help self-manage symptoms of their condition. Participation is
perceived as an enjoyable activity which improves mood, voice and language
symptoms. CST may enable access to specialist music therapy and speech language
therapy protocols within community frameworks.

Langue : ANGLAIS