Group Singing for Stroke Patients

Overseen By Joanne Loewy, DA

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 24

80 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the idea that Group Singing for Stroke Patients is an effective treatment?

The available research shows that group singing can be an effective treatment for stroke patients. In one study, stroke patients who participated in music therapy, including group singing, showed improvements in motor functions, reduced anxiety and depression, and increased hand strength compared to those who only received standard care. Another study found that a singing intervention improved communication and speech production in patients with chronic aphasia, a condition often caused by stroke, and also enhanced social participation and reduced caregiver burden. Additionally, observations from another study indicated that music, including group singing, improved general mobility, social interaction, and emotional stability in stroke patients. These findings suggest that group singing can be a beneficial addition to standard rehabilitation for stroke patients. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

What safety data exists for group singing therapy for stroke patients?

The provided research does not explicitly mention safety data for group singing therapy or related music therapy interventions for stroke patients. However, the studies focus on the therapeutic benefits, such as improved mood, social participation, and quality of life, without reporting adverse effects. This suggests that these therapies are generally considered safe, but specific safety data is not detailed in the abstracts. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Is communal singing a promising treatment for stroke patients?

Yes, communal singing is a promising treatment for stroke patients. It can improve communication and speech, enhance social participation, and reduce caregiver stress. Singing therapy helps people with speech difficulties, like those with aphasia, to communicate better and feel more connected with others. ^{1 3 6 10 11}

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial examines the effects of communal singing on stroke survivors and their caregivers. The study aims to see if singing can improve mood, reduce stress, and support recovery. Choral singing therapy (CST) is sought out by people with stroke and Parkinson's disease to help self-manage symptoms of their condition.

Research Team

Joanne Loewy, DA

Principal Investigator

Beth Israel Medical Center

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for stroke survivors of any severity and their personal caregivers. There are no specific exclusion criteria, meaning it's quite open to anyone who has experienced a stroke.

Inclusion Criteria

You have had a stroke, no matter how severe it was.

Exclusion Criteria

Not applicable.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Music Therapy

Participants in the study group will join the choir and participate in a weekly hour rehearsal for six months

6 months

24 sessions (in-person or virtual)

Control

The control group will not participate in the choir for the first six months

6 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in aphasia, language, mood, and quality of life after the intervention

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Communal singing

Trial Overview The study is testing the effects of communal singing as a form of music therapy. Participants will be split into two groups: one will engage in group singing sessions for six months, while the other receives standard post-stroke care.

Participant Groups

Group I: Communal singing Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in the study group will join the choir and participate in a weekly hour rehearsal for six months and will be assessed for aphasia, mood, and quality of life outcomes

Group II: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

The control group will not participate in the choir for the first six months. At the end of the six months study period, all participants will be evaluated again for changes in aphasia, language, mood and quality of life

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Lead Sponsor

Trials

933

Recruited

579,000+

Findings from Research

In a study of 45 ischemic stroke patients, music therapy significantly improved recovery in motor, speech, and autonomic functions compared to standard rehabilitation exercises.

The positive effects of music therapy suggest that it may enhance neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to reorganize and adapt after injury.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Music therapy as an effective method of neurorehabilitation]. Yakupov, EZ., Nalbat, AV., Semenova, MV., et al.[2018]

In a pilot trial with 38 stroke patients, those who received relational active music therapy alongside standard rehabilitation showed significant improvements in reducing anxiety and depression compared to the control group, which only received standard care.

The experimental group also experienced a notable increase in grip strength of the non-dominant hand, highlighting the potential of music therapy to enhance motor functions in stroke rehabilitation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Active music therapy approach for stroke patients in the post-acute rehabilitation. Raglio, A., Zaliani, A., Baiardi, P., et al.[2018]

A study involving 54 patients with chronic aphasia showed that a 4-month group-based singing intervention significantly improved communication and speech production compared to standard care, with benefits lasting up to 9 months.

The singing intervention also enhanced social participation for patients and reduced caregiver burden, indicating positive effects on both patients' and caregivers' psychosocial well-being.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of a multicomponent singing intervention on communication and psychosocial functioning in chronic aphasia: a randomized controlled crossover trial. Siponkoski, ST., Pitkäniemi, A., Laitinen, S., et al.[2023]

Music can significantly enhance general mobility and social interaction in stroke patients, particularly when using music with a tempo of 58 to 63 beats per minute during movement activities.

The study suggests that music not only aids physical movement but may also improve emotional stability in stroke patients, highlighting its potential role in rehabilitation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Observations on the use of music in rehabilitation of stroke patients. Cross, P., McLellan, M., Vomberg, E., et al.[2009]

A study involving 20 hemiplegic stroke patients showed that mental singing while walking significantly improved gait ability, as evidenced by better scores in the 10-Meter Walk Test and Timed Up and Go test after the intervention.

Participants also experienced notable enhancements in gait cadence, stride length, and velocity, suggesting that mental singing can be an effective therapeutic strategy for improving walking in stroke patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Immediate Effects of Mental Singing While Walking on Gait Disturbance in Hemiplegic Stroke Patients: A Feasibility Study. Lee, SY., Seok, H., Kim, SH., et al.[2022]

Choral singing therapy (CST) is perceived by individuals with stroke and Parkinson's disease as an enjoyable way to improve mood, communication, and overall quality of life, addressing their unmet needs.

Participation in CST helps individuals self-manage symptoms related to their conditions, such as social isolation and communication difficulties, suggesting it could be a valuable addition to rehabilitation programs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Choral singing therapy following stroke or Parkinson's disease: an exploration of participants' experiences. Fogg-Rogers, L., Buetow, S., Talmage, A., et al.[2019]

In a study of 18 post-stroke patients, music therapy significantly reduced depressive symptoms, as indicated by a notable decrease in Beck Depression Inventory scores, compared to a control group.

Patients and caregivers reported high satisfaction levels with the music therapy program, suggesting it is a beneficial intervention for improving mood in post-stroke recovery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of music therapy on mood in stroke patients. Kim, DS., Park, YG., Choi, JH., et al.[2021]

An 8-week community-based rehabilitation program using rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) significantly improved the range of motion and flexibility in 16 stroke survivors compared to a control group of 17 who received standard care.

Participants in the RAS intervention also reported enhanced mood and better quality of interpersonal relationships, highlighting the program's potential benefits beyond physical rehabilitation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of a theory-driven music and movement program for stroke survivors in a community setting. Jeong, S., Kim, MT.[2016]

In a study of 92 patients with post-stroke depression, the combination of five phase music therapy, acupoint needling, and acupoint injection significantly improved depression symptoms more than standard treatment with sertraline, as shown by greater reductions in Hamilton's depression scale (HAMD-17) scores.

Patients receiving the music therapy also experienced fewer side effects compared to those on standard medication, indicating that this combined approach may be a safer and more effective option for managing post-stroke depression.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of music therapy derived from the five elements in Traditional Chinese Medicine on post-stroke depression. Lin, F., Gu, Y., Wu, Y., et al.[2020]

Group singing may help people with Parkinson's disease synchronize their movements to musical rhythms, potentially improving their motor skills and overall quality of life.

The practice is hypothesized to create feelings of connectedness and flow, which could enhance rhythmic entrainment during and after singing, leading to better emotional processing and reduced motor timing deficits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Conceptualizing how group singing may enhance quality of life with Parkinson's disease. Buetow, SA., Talmage, A., McCann, C., et al.[2014]

In a study involving 28 stroke patients undergoing early rehabilitation, both synchronized and turn-based music therapy improved fine motor skills and mood, indicating the effectiveness of music-supported therapy in recovery.

Patients who played in turn showed greater improvements in fine motor skills, possibly due to the opportunity to learn from observing their partner, suggesting that the social aspect of music therapy can enhance rehabilitation outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Music-supported motor training after stroke reveals no superiority of synchronization in group therapy. Van Vugt, FT., Ritter, J., Rollnik, JD., et al.[2021]

References

1. Russia (Federation) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Music therapy as an effective method of neurorehabilitation]. [2018]

2. Italy pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Active music therapy approach for stroke patients in the post-acute rehabilitation. [2018]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of a multicomponent singing intervention on communication and psychosocial functioning in chronic aphasia: a randomized controlled crossover trial. [2023]

4. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Observations on the use of music in rehabilitation of stroke patients. [2009]

5. Korea (South) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Immediate Effects of Mental Singing While Walking on Gait Disturbance in Hemiplegic Stroke Patients: A Feasibility Study. [2022]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Choral singing therapy following stroke or Parkinson's disease: an exploration of participants' experiences. [2019]

7. Korea (South) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of music therapy on mood in stroke patients. [2021]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of a theory-driven music and movement program for stroke survivors in a community setting. [2016]

9. China pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of music therapy derived from the five elements in Traditional Chinese Medicine on post-stroke depression. [2020]

10. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Conceptualizing how group singing may enhance quality of life with Parkinson's disease. [2014]

11. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Music-supported motor training after stroke reveals no superiority of synchronization in group therapy. [2021]