Parkinsonics: A Controlled Study of Group Singing in Parkinson Disease
Parkinsonics: A Controlled Study of Group Singing in Parkinson Disease
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.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Diagnosis of idiopathic PD based on UK Parkinson's Disease Society Brain Bank Clinical
 Diagnostic Criteria for PD (Hughes et al. 1992).

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Patients unable to consent to the study.

 -  Patients unable or unwilling to participate in weekly singing classes for 12 weeks, or
 unwilling to perform in a concert setting.

 -  Patients with active psychiatric disturbances (agitation, active hallucinations).