Singing 'may reduce stress and improve symptoms for Parkinson's patients'

Singing may reduce stress and improve symptoms for people with Parkinson's disease, suggests a new study. Belting out a song could provide benefits beyond improving respiratory and swallow control in Parkinson's patients, according to the research. The results from a pilot study revealed improvements in mood and motor symptoms, as well as reduced physiological indicators of stress. Dr Elizabeth Stegemöller, an assistant professor of kinesiology at Iowa State University in the United States, cautioned that the figures are only preliminary, but says the improvements among singing participants are similar to benefits of taking medication. She said: "We see the improvement every week when they leave singing group.