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Music Therapy Improves Symptoms of COPD

Published 5 Jan 2016

Music Therapy Improves Symptoms of COPD
Music therapy improves the health of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a new study finds.
 
COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S.  Patients with COPD experience symptoms including shortness of breath, wheezing, an ongoing cough, frequent colds or flu, and chest tightness. 
 
Researchers from Mount Sinai Beth Israel in New York devised a study involving 68 patients with chronic disabling respiratory diseases, including COPD. Over the course of six weeks, a randomized group of these patients attended weekly music therapy sessions.
 
Certified music therapists oversaw each session, which included live music, visualizations, wind instrument playing and singing, which incorporated breath control techniques.
 
The therapy also involved encouraging self-expression and provided patients with the opportunity for increased engagement in therapeutic activities and to cope with the challenges of a chronic disease.
 
The researchers found that the patients who received music therapy in conjunction with standard rehabilitation saw an improvement in symptoms, as well as their psychological well-being and quality of life, according to the study which appears in Respiratory Medicine.

5 comments


Astra1547
on 11/01/2016

I agree, music helps to take my mind off myself when ill with any of my health condition especially my breathing when ill with chest infections or just having a difficult time with Asthma or C.O.P.D. 


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Unregistered member
on 19/01/2016

I played saxes from the age of 14 (I'm now 77). I've just had to give them up because I'm unable to fill them with breath (especially the tenor) and so cannot play them properly. I'm devastated and lost without playing so I'm planning to sell the saxes and with the proceeds, buy an instrument that doesn't rely on blowing.


avatar
Unregistered member
on 22/02/2016

Just today have been diagnosed with copd, wondering what the outcome will be, any help given will be appreciated.   Thank you hooked

Sibrenker@aol


Astra1547
on 26/02/2016

Hi hookey...What stage are you at? I am 75% on the spirometer, I think that's stage2. It depends on how well you look after yourself as well. Keep away from people smoking, pollution, don't drink or smoke yourself and anything else that would affect your breathing. And, certain foods can cause problems to. Change your diet to fruit and veg, white meat or fish is the best. I am trying my best to keep to a proper diet as I have got Type2 diabetes too. If I put on weight at all or I eat sweets ect...I find I can't breath properly so, now I try my best to keep meals right for me. Exercises are a must with all breathing conditions, even if you only do light exercises like I do,I am limited to what I can or can't do. I don't do anything strenuous that would upset me in anyway. I always have a rest in the afternoons as I get too tired and fatigued if I over do things a bit. I have added a link to stages of C.O.P.D. I hope that will be of some use too you. There are other websites with more info on them if you google 'stages  of C.O.P.D'. Best wishes and good luck with your health...Astra!  Look after yourself!

http://copd.about.com/od/copdbasics/a/stagesofcopd.htm


Astra1547
on 26/02/2016

@Hookey...I have found another webpage for you. I hope this will be of some help to you too. If you look after yourself and follow guidelines for C.O.P.D. you will be ok for many years. Just don't worry about things as stress and worry about illnesses will make your breathing play up. Take things one day at a time, that's what I do. Best Wishes...Astra!

http://www.healthline.com/health/copd/stages#Grades5

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