Respiratory function in vocal soloists, opera singers and wind instrument musicians

Current studies have not yet reached a definitive conclusion on the effects of singing and playing wind instruments professionally on an individual's respiratory function.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the respiratory function of wind instrument players and opera singers in comparison with a group of healthy individuals.

The experimental group comprised 45 men and 35 women, 58 opera singers and vocal soloists in total and 22 wind instruments players. Eighty controls were all non-smokers, healthy individuals, matched for age and sex. Spirometry was performed with a dry spirometer, according to the American Thoracic Society recommendations.

The mean age of the experimental group was 47.9 (15.5) years for men and 46.6 (16.8) for women. Experimental group and controls differed (p<0.01) in FVC [%predicted values: 98.69±13.07 vs 89.62±14.01 (men), 104.2±17.7 vs 93.8±13.9 (women)], FEV1[% predicted values: 98.69±13.07 vs 89.62±14.01 (men), 104.2±17.7 vs 93.8±13.9 (women)] and in PEFR values (p=0.001). [100.4±18.8 vs 76.7±19.8 (men)]. FEV1/FVC ratio significant differences were detected only in women (p=0.001, for predicted values).

The findings of the present study provide evidence that professional involvement with wind musical instrument or monody might have beneficial effects on respiratory function. Future therapeutic perspectives, and associations between a documented improved respiratory function and performance by the musician should be examined.