Abstract:
Background There is a growing incidence of neurological conditions like Stroke and Parkinson’s disease (PD) and the associated disabilities. In New Zealand, it is estimated that 45,000 Stroke survivors end up with disabilities while 90% of people with PD have voice and speech disabilities all resulting in poor quality of life (QOL). While medication may help in alleviating the disease symptoms, emotional needs and QOL improvement may require a nonpharmaceutical approach. This study aimed to examine the perceived benefits of group singing for people with Stroke and PD in Tauranga Hospital Rehabilitation Ward. Methods A mixed methods design was used involving a convenience sample of 11 participants (five with Stroke, three with PD, three carers). Quantitative measures of QOL were obtained using the World Health Organisation (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire while qualitative data about involvement in group singing were obtained through face-to-face interviews. Thematic analysis of interviews was undertaken to determine global themes, subthemes and codes. Descriptive statistics were used to examine mean QOL scores. Paired t-tests, independent t-tests and Pearson’s correlations were used to compare domain scores and to measure association of domain scores with independent variables. Results QOL among the participants was found to be moderate in all the domains except for the physical domain which scored the lowest (Mean=54.59). The environmental domain scored the highest (Mean=72.19). In qualitative interviews, participants and their significant others, perceived physiological, psychological and social benefits of group singing. Conclusion Neurological conditions can have adverse effects on the physical and psychological QOL for the patients and their significant others. However, group singing may promote quality of life and may be used as an ideal adjunct to other therapeutic approaches for the improvement of QOL. Using randomised control studies and longitudinal studies, further exploration of the relationship between choral singing, health and QOL is suggested.