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Pulmonary function in singers and wind-instrument players.

B Schorr-Lesnick, A S Teirstein, L K Brown

    Chest
    |August 1, 1985
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

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    Singers and wind instrumentalists showed no significant pulmonary function differences compared to controls. Healthier habits, not breath training, may explain perceived differences in lung capacity.

    Area of Science:

    • Pulmonary Medicine
    • Respiratory Physiology
    • Vocal and Instrumental Performance Science

    Background:

    • Previous research suggested singers and wind instrumentalists possess superior pulmonary function due to breath-control training.
    • However, prior studies were often limited by poor controls or narrow scope, necessitating further investigation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To rigorously compare pulmonary function between singers, wind instrumentalists, and a control group of non-wind/non-singing instrumentalists.
    • To investigate the influence of breath-control training versus other factors on respiratory metrics.

    Main Methods:

    • A comparative study involving 34 singers, 48 wind instrumentalists, and 31 string/percussion instrumentalists.
    • Utilized pulmonary questionnaires, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure measurements, and standard spirometry (including FEV1 and FVC).

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  • Data were analyzed independently and adjusted for covariates such as age, sex, height, weight, performance years, and smoking status.

    • Main Results:

    • No significant differences were observed in spirometry (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC) or pressure measurements between the groups.
    • Smoking was negatively correlated with pulmonary function across all participant groups.
    • Singers reported healthier habits, including more exercise and less smoking, compared to other musicians.

    Conclusions:

    • The study found no evidence that performance as a singer or wind instrumentalist enhances pulmonary function.
    • Observed differences in perceived pulmonary capacity may be attributed to healthier lifestyle choices, particularly among singers.
    • The myth of superior lung function in these performers is likely due to confounding health behaviors rather than specific training.