Specialised Singing Programmes Improve Symptoms and Quality of Life in People with Lung Disease: ERS Study

Professor Smallwood told the Congress: “Chronic breathlessness is a common and highly distressing symptom for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and interstitial lung disease. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious lung condition affecting around 400 million people worldwide. The SINFONIA study saw patients take part in a 90-minute online group singing session delivered once a week for 12 weeks over Zoom. Sixty-four of the patients had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and 37 had interstitial lung disease (ILD). “The way in which group singing improves quality of life remains unclear and may vary for different participants,” Professor Smallwood added.