1
|
Viola E, Martorana M, Airoldi C, Caristia S, Ceriotti D, De Vito M, Tucci R, Meini C, Guiot G, Faggiano F. Dedalo Vola project: The effect of choral singing on physiological and psychosocial measures. An Italian pilot study. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2024; 244:104204. [PMID: 38430726 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Several studies have been conducted that show the crucial role of active participation in music in health promotion (e.g. Dingle et al., 2021; Sheppard & Broughton, 2020); however, little research has focused on the biopsychosocial effects of choral singing. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness, in terms of improving physiological and psychosocial factors, of a choral program for middle-aged and older individuals. We integrated our study with qualitative observations of the atmosphere and flow state experienced by the choristers. The data were collected before and after 12 weeks of training, with 23 participants took part in the study. They experienced significant improvements in weight, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and satisfaction of psychological needs. A beneficial trend, although not statistically significant, were observed for blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, stress, psychological needs, and mental health. The observations progressively revealed a more cohesive and focused group. Our findings support the potential for cross-disciplinary collaboration between healthcare and arts policy to promote and enhance health and well-being throughout the lifespan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erica Viola
- Department for Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, University of Eastern Piedmont, Piazza Sant'Eusebio 5, Vercelli 13100, Italy.
| | - Marco Martorana
- Department for Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, University of Eastern Piedmont, Piazza Sant'Eusebio 5, Vercelli 13100, Italy
| | - Chiara Airoldi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Via Solaroli, 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Silvia Caristia
- Department for Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, University of Eastern Piedmont, Piazza Sant'Eusebio 5, Vercelli 13100, Italy
| | - Daniele Ceriotti
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Via Solaroli, 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Marta De Vito
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Via Solaroli, 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Riccardo Tucci
- Department for Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, University of Eastern Piedmont, Piazza Sant'Eusebio 5, Vercelli 13100, Italy
| | - Cristina Meini
- Department for Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, University of Eastern Piedmont, Piazza Sant'Eusebio 5, Vercelli 13100, Italy
| | | | - Fabrizio Faggiano
- Department for Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, University of Eastern Piedmont, Piazza Sant'Eusebio 5, Vercelli 13100, Italy; Epidemiologic Unit of the Local Health Authority of Vercelli (I) - Osservatorio Epidemiologico, ASL Vercelli, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vetere G, Williams G, Ballard C, Creese B, Hampshire A, Palmer A, Pickering E, Richards M, Brooker H, Corbett A. The relationship between playing musical instruments and cognitive trajectories: Analysis from a UK ageing cohort. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2024; 39:e6061. [PMID: 38281509 DOI: 10.1002/gps.6061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The accumulation of age-associated cognitive deficits can lead to Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and dementia. This is a major public health issue for the modern ageing population, as it impairs health, independence and overall quality of life. Keeping the brain active during life has been associated with an increased cognitive reserve, therefore reducing the risk of cognitive impairment in older age. Previous research has identified a potential relationship between musicality and cognition. OBJECTIVES Explore the relationship between musicality and cognitive function in a large cohort of older adults. METHODS This was a nested study within the PROTECT-UK cohort, which collects longitudinal computerised assessments of cognitive function in adults over 40. Participants were invited to complete the validated Edinburgh Lifetime Musical Experience Questionnaire (ELMEQ) to assess their musical experience and lifetime exposure to music. Linear regression analysis was performed using cognitive data from PROTECT-UK. RESULTS Analysis identified an association between musicality and cognition in this cohort. Playing a musical instrument was associated with significantly better performance in working memory and executive function. Significant associations were also found between singing and executive function, and between overall musical ability and working memory. CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm previous literature, highlighting the potential value of education and engagement in musical activities throughout life as a means of harnessing cognitive reserve as part of a protective lifestyle for brain health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Vetere
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Gareth Williams
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Clive Ballard
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Byron Creese
- Division of Psychology, Department of Life Sciences, Brunel University, London, UK
| | - Adam Hampshire
- Division of Brain Sciences, & Dementia Research Institute Care Research & Technology Centre, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Abbie Palmer
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Ellie Pickering
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Megan Richards
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | | | - Anne Corbett
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| |
Collapse
|