[Outcomes of a pulmonary rehabilitation program including singing training]

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Rehabilitation
• Respiratory Medicine
• Singing Therapy

Background:

• Singing education can aid breathing control and reduce dyspnea in pulmonary rehabilitation.
• Chronic respiratory disorders significantly impact patients' quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effects of singing training integrated into pulmonary rehabilitation.
• To evaluate the impact of singing on respiratory function and patient-reported outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Singing training was implemented in pulmonary rehabilitation for 45 patients (37 COPD, 8 other chronic respiratory disorders).
• Key parameters measured included lung function (FVC, FEV1, TLC, RV), exercise capacity (6MWD, VO2max), respiratory muscle strength (P max), and dyspnea scores (MRC, Cincinnati, VSRQ).

Main Results:

• Significant improvements observed in 6-minute walk distance (+13.8%), VO2max (+8.3%), and maximal respiratory pressure (+14.7%).
• Marked reductions in MRC dyspnea score (-21.7%) and VSRQ score (+50.0%) were noted.
• No significant change in dyspnea was reported via the Cincinnati score.

Conclusions:

• Singing training demonstrates a beneficial effect when incorporated into pulmonary rehabilitation.
• The study supports the use of singing as an adjunct therapy for improving outcomes in patients with chronic respiratory conditions.