Abstract
Background: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a cornerstone in COPD care. Physical training (PT) is a key component of PR programmes. However, PR adherence is suboptimal, and barriers include inability to perform PT. There is an emerging need for alternative, evidence-based PR programmes. Lung choirs or singing training (ST) has potential benefits concerning improved respiratory control and wellbeing but impact on physical capacity is unknown.
Methods: We investigated the effects of ST compared to PT in a 10 weeks’ PR program in a randomised controlled trial (NCT03280355). Primary outcome was change in physical capacity (6-Minutes Walk Test, 6MWT) from baseline to post-PR, and secondary outcomes were changes in Quality of Life (QoL; St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire, SGRQ), depression or anxiety (HADS), dyspnea (mMRC), lung function (FEV1%predicted), and overall PR adherence.
Results: We included 270 patients with COPD and 195 completed the study. Study arms were comparable, and both study arms benefitted significantly in 6MWT and SGRQ. ST was non-inferior to PT in 6MWT (p=0.94), though superior in SGRQ Impact improvement (p<0.01). No significant inter-group differences were seen in depression or anxiety, dyspnoea, lung function, or adherence.
Conclusions: ST appears to be as efficacious as PT in improving physical capacity and superior concerning QoL. The long-term effects and impact of COPD exacerbation rate is unknown. There is a need to explore and standardise the optimal content of ST to provide evidence-based and personalized medicine to COPD patients needing PR.
Footnotes
Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2020; 56: Suppl. 64, 4663.
This abstract was presented at the 2020 ERS International Congress, in session “Respiratory viruses in the "pre COVID-19" era”.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2020