What effect does singing and music have on Parkinson's disease sufferers?

They don't know. But it's important to find out.

Tauranga speech and language therapist Robin Matthews says it is known physical exercise, although essential for muscle tone, mobility and balance, does little to improve the muscles of voice.

The DHB is looking for singing research volunteeersPhoto: file.

'So a different and more direct form of exercise is required, which is why there is increasing global interest in group singing and vocal exercise as a means of improving voice in people with Parkinson's.”

And now volunteers are being sought for ground-breaking research into the effects of singing and music on Parkinson's disease sufferers.

The research, the first random control trial of its kind, will be conducted by Robin Mathews who's the Bay of Plenty District Health Board's senior therapist.

'The aim of the study is to answer an international call for a well-designed controlled study.”

The Lottery Health Research Committee has awarded Robin $32,000 to fund part of his research. And he's now looking for Bay of Plenty volunteers to help him.

A recent survey of 500 Parkinson's sufferers found fewer than 24% had seen a speech and language therapist, despite up to 90% developing communication difficulties. Singing and music may be the answer.

If you are interested in volunteering, or simply want to find out more, contact Robin by phone on 07 579 8783 or 027 326 1464 or by email on rmat107@aucklanduni.ac.nz