Pitch perfect: telehealth group singing intervention for communication and social connectedness in people with Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Group singing has emerged as a promising intervention to address communication changes in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study aimed to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of therapeutic group singing, delivered via telehealth, for people with PD on voice, communicative function, and social connection. People living with PD/Parkinsonism were purposively recruited from an outpatient Speech Pathology caseload. Eligible participants were invited to attend eight weekly telehealth group singing sessions, delivered jointly by a Registered Music Therapist (RMT) and a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP). Outcomes were collected for six participants (3-male, 3-female; range 55–76 years). Adherence to the intervention was less than expected. Inconsistent positive change across the study period was demonstrated for vocal intensity, maximum phonation time (MPT) and pitch range. There were indications of greater vocal gains for people with higher cognitive ability. Most participants demonstrated perceived improvement in social connection although qualitative feedback revealed a theme of inability to experience the ‘joy’ of ‘singing as one united voice’. Therapeutic group singing delivered via Telehealth is feasible with the potential to positively impact voice and social connection outcomes in people with PD. Addressing limitations related to telehealth delivery of this intervention may improve patient experience and engagement.