Singing-based interventions for motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease: a systematic review.
A Trinchillo, J Suh, E Marcuzzo et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review examined interventional studies of singing-based rehabilitation for motor and non-motor symptoms in people with Parkinson’s disease. The review included 26 studies involving 1057 patients; heterogeneity in study designs, intervention protocols, and outcome measures prevented meta-analysis. Across studies, singing interventions were associated with improvements in motor symptoms, gait, posture, voice quality, respiratory control, and maximum phonation time. Some studies also reported better psychological well-being, social connectedness, and quality of life, alongside reduced stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Swallowing evidence was limited and inconsistent.
Key findings
- The review included 26 studies involving 1057 patients with Parkinson’s disease.
- Singing interventions were associated with improvements in motor symptoms, gait, posture, voice quality, respiratory control, and maximum phonation time.
- Some studies reported improved psychological well-being, social connectedness, and quality of life, with reductions in stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.
- Evidence for swallowing outcomes was limited and inconsistent.
Why it matters
Persistent speech, swallowing, gait, and balance impairments can remain despite pharmacological and rehabilitation interventions, particularly as Parkinson’s disease progresses. This review suggests singing may address several functional and psychosocial domains, while highlighting that evidence is uneven across outcomes. The findings support further evaluation of singing as a rehabilitation approach, rather than establishing its effectiveness or long-term benefit.
What to keep in mind
Heterogeneity in study design, intervention protocols, and outcome measures precluded meta-analysis; swallowing evidence was limited and inconsistent.