Singing Groups for Seniors: Well-Being, Cognitive Function and Health

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

140 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2018-12-05

Study Completion Date

2020-02-28

Brief Summary

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The researchers' implement and measure the effects of a singing group intervention program for older adults, with an RCT design, in a natural context, on the health, well-being and cognitive function of older adults.

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Detailed Description

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Background: Singing is a multimodal activity that requires physical, cognitive and psychosocial performance, with benefits in various domains of health and well-being of older adults. In recent years, research has increasingly studied group singing as an important cost-effective intervention to promote active and healthy aging. However, the specific factors responsible for these benefits need further experimental support, as most studies do not allow for causal inferences. This study responds to the need for further randomized controlled trials (RCT), with follow-up measurement, on the benefits of group singing in older adults with diverse socioeconomic status. Also, while most studies often focus on specific outcome measures dimensions, in this study, the conjoint effects of physical, psychosocial, emotional and cognitive dimensions are analyzed, testing mediation and moderation effects of psychosocial and cognitive variables in the health and well-being of the participants. Methods: The team implements and measures the effects of a singing group program for older adults, with an RCT design, in a natural context, before and after the intervention and in a follow-up, four months after the intervention. Participants: 140 retired older adults (\> 60 years), users of a social care institution, were invited to participate in a singing group program and randomly allocated to an experimental intervention group (n = 70), and a control (n = 70) group enrolled in the regular activities proposed by the institution. The intervention consists of 34 bi-weekly group singing sessions, of two-hours each, for four months. Measures on social and emotional well-being, cognitive function, and health indicators (as blood pressure, glycemia, cholesterol, c-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, respiratory function, body balance, body activity, sleep quality, medication intake, and health services attendance) will be collected. Interviews on the motivation and perceived benefits of participation will also be collected. Discussion: Significant improvements are expected in the outcome measures in the experimental group after the intervention, in comparison with the control group and the pretest, validating the singing group program as a cost-effective intervention for healthy aging. Psychoemotional, psychosocial and cognitive variables are expected to be mediators of the effects of the program on the health and well-being of the participants.

Conditions

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Cognitive Function Well-Being Physical Function Respiratory Function Memory Biomarker Anxiety Depression Stress Quality of Life Loneliness Social Identification Blood Pressure Blood Glucose Cholesterol C-reactive Protein Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Balance Sleep Pain Perception Medication Compliance Health Complaint, Subjective Body Weight

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Participants were recruited by invitation in the day-care centers, nursing homes and home care units run by Santa Casa da Misericórdia (a Portuguese Charity Institution, partner in the project). All older adults received an invitation with a brief description of the program and the study. In case they were interested in participating, they were invited to a meeting where the musical intervention team provided additional information about the intervention and clarified any questions from the participants. At the end of the session a detailed informed consent was signed.

Primary Study Purpose

TREATMENT

Blinding Strategy

SINGLE

Outcome Assessors

Participants, singing group facilitators and researchers conducting the study cannot be blinded to allocation. However, the collection of the data, namely, cognitive, psychosocial, motor and physiologic outcome measures will be assessed by independent researchers, blinded to group allocation.

Study Groups

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Intervention Singing Group Program

Singing group intervention program that includes six components: (1) vocal warm-up exercises; (2) vocal technique; (3) rehearsal of repertoire; (4) break for socialization; (5) creation and presentation of a show; (6) assessment of participants performance (vocal tuning).

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Singing Group Intervention Program

Intervention Type OTHER

Each session will start with (1) relaxation, vocal warm-up and breething exercises; (2) vocal technique training; (3) memorization and interpretation of music and lyrics; (4) session breaks of 20 minutes for socialization; (5) preparation of a final choir show; (6) vocal tuning tests.

Alternative Social and Leisure Activities

While the experimental group is participating in the intervention program, the control group will participate in the other activities proposed by the day care centers, which will be registered.

Group Type ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Alternative Social and Leisure Activities

Intervention Type OTHER

Day care centers provide social and leisure activities opportunities for older adults. The control group is free to enroll in these activities.

Interventions

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Singing Group Intervention Program

Each session will start with (1) relaxation, vocal warm-up and breething exercises; (2) vocal technique training; (3) memorization and interpretation of music and lyrics; (4) session breaks of 20 minutes for socialization; (5) preparation of a final choir show; (6) vocal tuning tests.

Intervention Type OTHER

Alternative Social and Leisure Activities

Day care centers provide social and leisure activities opportunities for older adults. The control group is free to enroll in these activities.

Intervention Type OTHER

Other Intervention Names

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Choir Intervention Program Social and Leisure Activities

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* Being 60 years old or older;
* Retired;
* Accept the invitation to participate in the singing group program;
* Not having participated in other intervention programs in the previous four months.

Exclusion Criteria

* Having a severe impairment, that is disabling for the participation in the singing group activity (e.g. severe cognitive, auditory, visual or mobility impairments).

Minimum Eligible Age

60 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes