None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The aim of this research is to examine the feasibility of delivering online a previously tested therapeutic group singing intervention (ParkinSong) for people living with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. This feasibility research will test feasibility of a) delivering the ParkinSong invention online over 12 weeks and b) collecting all data remotely with participants with Parkinson’s (n=30). The primary aim is to examine the feasibility of a fully online trial of ParkinSong by assessing recruitment, retention, attendance, safety, intervention fidelity, acceptability and associated costs. The secondary aim is to obtain preliminary information to describe the effects of ParkinSong Online on communication and wellbeing outcomes for people with idiopathic Parkinson’s. We will examine data for preliminary evidence for the efficacy of the intervention on the following outcomes: 1. speech loudness and quality 2. communication-related quality of life; 3. health-related quality of life; 4. wellbeing outcomes (depression, anxiety, stress, and apathy) In total, we aim to recruit 40 eligible participants with idiopathic Parkinson’s. Consenting participants will attend a 12-week ParkinSong Online group singing intervention. All participants will be assessed remotely pre and post intervention on a range of speech, communication and wellbeing outcomes. After the completion of the study period participants will participate in a focus group interview via Zoom to gather qualitative data about their experience of the ParkinSong Online intervention and remote assessments.
Interventions
We aim to recruit 15-30 eligible participants with idiopathic Parkinson’s.
Consenting participants will attend a live (synchronous) 12-week ParkinSong Online group singing intervention.
Sessions will run for 90 minutes once per week (for 12 weeks; 12 session in total) and include 20 minutes of vocal warmups and speech exercises, 40 minutes of singing and 30 minutes for conversation and social interaction in small breakout groups online over morning/afternoon tea.
Experienced music therapists
We aim to recruit 15-30 eligible participants with idiopathic Parkinson’s. Consenting participants will attend a live (synchronous) 12-week ParkinSong Online group singing intervention. Sessions will run for 90 minutes once per week (for 12 weeks; 12 session in total) and include 20 minutes of vocal warmups and speech exercises, 40 minutes of singing and 30 minutes for conversation and social interaction in small breakout groups online over morning/afternoon tea. Experienced music therapists and speech pathologists will co-facilitate the sessions All sessions will be recorded and distributed to participants for home practice between sessions. Practice between sessions will be at the participant's discretion. To monitor adherence to the intervention, an attendance checklist will be kept. Participants will be assessed pre and post intervention on a range of speech, communication and wellbeing outcomes.
Sponsors
The University of Melbourne
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Intervention model
Single group
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
1. Medical diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (idiopathic only) 2. Still mobile (Hoehn & Yahr scale 1-4) 3. Nil history of other neurological, head and neck or respiratory disorders 4. Ability to communicate in English 5. Ability to provide informed consent to participation in study 6. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Score 18 or above (or with mandatory carer support if MoCA scores are between 10-17) 7. Some degree of communication change reported by person with Parkinson’s, caregiver or health professional 8. High speed internet access and a computer with webcam to use for the online ParkinSong sessions and remote data collection
Exclusion criteria
1. Severe cognitive impairment - MoCA score <10 2.. Significant hearing impairment not alleviated with hearing aids 3. Significant vision impairment not alleviated with glasses 4. Currently attending or planning to attend a Lee Silverman Voice Treatment program (LSVT Loud) during course of the study 5. Currently taking major tranquiliser medication 6. Deep brain stimulation surgery within the past 6 months
Outcome results
None listed