Group Singing or Solo Singing to Improve Vascular Health in Older Adults With Coronary Artery Disease: A Feasibility Study

Summary

Unlike traditional physical exercise, the impact of singing on cardiovascular health has not been extensively studied. Endothelial dysfunction predicts cardiovascular events, and physical exercise improves vascular endothelial function. In a rigorously conducted randomized, cross-over control study, our team is the first to demonstrate that 30 minutes of solo singing improves endothelial function acutely, regardless of singing expertise. Changes were more robust in subjects with baseline endothelial dysfunction (i.e., those with established coronary artery disease). The improvements occurred in microvascular, but not macrovascular, endothelial function. The observed change in microvascular function translates into a \~25% reduction in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, which is comparable to traditional cardiac rehabilitation program participation. Based on our prior research, the overall objective of the planned future RCT is to test our central hypothesis that habitual singing over several weeks, similar to habitual exercise, will lead to sustained and favorable vascular adaptation, thereby lowering CVD risk. The overall objective of this project, titled "GrOup singing or solo singing To improve Vascular health in Older adults wIth Coronary artery disEase (GOT VOICE): A Feasibility Study", is to refine and protocolize the singing interventions and test the feasibility of our future trial design.

Eligibility

Age range

55–89 years

Sex

All

Healthy volunteers

No