Music
The Full Story
Music has been recognized as an effective way to improve mood and well-being in the general population. Recently, several studies have shown how music can be utilized to alleviate the specific symptoms of PD population.
Research
Study 1:
One study used a sample including 4 people with PD
(two men & two women, aged 65-78) and their spouses. A longitudinal, qualitative study utilized a focused ethnography to explore why group singing for people with PD has been reported as a beneficial intervention promoting enhanced quality of life, social interaction, and emotional support. Enhanced quality of life refers to improvements in overall well-being, including physical, emotional, and social aspects. Increased social interaction indicates that group singing provides opportunities for individuals with PD to engage with others, potentially reducing feelings of isolation or loneliness often experienced by those with chronic conditions.
https://doi.org/10.1111/1460-6984.12926
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Study 2:
A recent international review paper compiled the results of 8 articles in 7 different countries. Together, the 1-3 month studies reinforced the therapeutic benefits of targeted music therapy on gait. Other articles in the study examined the effect of rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS), specifically, playing a repetitive beat along which a patient can synchronize their movement. RAS was shown to improve walking speed, gait quality, stride length. Finally, music was shown to improve mood and motivation.
https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13070993
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Study 3:
This study examined the feasibility and effects of Ambulosono, a cognitive gait training method using music to control step size in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Thirty participants with mild to moderate PD were assigned to either an experimental group receiving music-contingent training or a control group. While improvements in cognitive measures were not significant, both groups showed significant decreases in depression and anxiety over the 12-week training period, with high adherence rates and no falls occurring during training sessions. The study concludes that music-contingent gait training is safe and feasible for individuals with PD, recommending further research into its potential therapeutic applications.
Resources
Here are some resources for finding Parkinson Disease-targeted music therapy. We include a resource in the Gainesville area and several available nationwide.
Gainesville
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Story Songs
Online
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Walking Tall App
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The American Music Therapy Association
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The Parkinson’s Foundation
