The overall objective of this study is to observe the effect of group Vocal performance training and performance experience on patients' reported symptoms and quality of life. The effectiveness of PD medications varies significantly in different patients depending on their symptoms. By using music-based interventions to improve symptoms that may be inadequately treated by medications, the investigators hope to improve quality of life in PD patients. "Parkinsonics: A controlled study of group singing for quality of life and voice outcomes in Parkinson disease" (PD) is a controlled crossover behavioral intervention study of once weekly choral classes for patients with idiopathic PD (progressing toward a group performance) and once weekly discussion/support group meetings.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
32
Weekly group singing classes led by professional choir instructor, lasting 90 minutes. 12 classes over 12 consecutive weeks.
Weekly facilitated discussion group led by Parkinson Disease educator, lasting 90 minutes. 12 sessions over 12 consecutive weeks.
Parkinson Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire (PDQ)-39 scores
Validated 39-item questionnaire
Time frame: Change from baseline scores at 30 weeks
Voice-Related Quality of Life
Validated 10-item questionnaire
Time frame: Change from baseline scores at 30 weeks
Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale Motor scores
Validated Parkinson disease motor assessment scale
Time frame: Change from baseline scores at 30 weeks
Montreal Cognitive Assessment
Validated cognitive assessment
Time frame: Change from baseline scores at 30 weeks
Geriatric Depression Scale-15
Validated depression self-rating
Time frame: Change from baseline scores at 30 weeks
Lorig Self-efficacy scale
5-item self-reported questionnaire
Time frame: Change from baseline scores at 30 weeks
Short Form-36
Self-reported questionnaire assessing patients' health based on their physical and mental well-being
Time frame: Change from baseline scores at 30 weeks
Sound pressure level (decibels)
Assessed while reading the standardized "Rainbow" passage and describing the cookie theft picture at a 50cm distance from the microphone (using a portable professional decibel meter).
Time frame: Change from baseline levels at 30 weeks
Voice jitter
Analysis will be performed using Praat software (Boersma and Weenink, version 5.4.01, http://www.fon.hum.uva.nl/praat/). There will be 3 trials per subject holding sounds A and E for as long as possible on one breath. Sound recordings are made for each trial.
Time frame: Change from baseline values at 30 weeks
Voice shimmer
Analysis will be performed using Praat software (Boersma and Weenink, version 5.4.01, http://www.fon.hum.uva.nl/praat/). There will be 3 trials per subject holding sounds A and E for as long as possible on one breath. Sound recordings are made for each trial.
Time frame: Change from baseline values at 30 weeks
Harmonic to noise ratio
Analysis will be performed using Praat software (Boersma and Weenink, version 5.4.01, http://www.fon.hum.uva.nl/praat/). There will be 3 trials per subject holding sounds A and E for as long as possible on one breath. Sound recordings are made for each trial.
Time frame: Change from baseline values at 30 weeks
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.