Over 1.2 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with the obstructive lung condition COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and many more remain undiagnosed.
Singing for Lung Health (SLH) is best described as:
Singing for Lung Health is a group based arts in health intervention with the goal of improving the quality of life of people with a chronic lung condition, as well as providing tools for the self-management of breathlessness.
Over 1.2 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with the obstructive lung condition COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and many more remain undiagnosed.
Singing for Lung Health (SLH) is best described as:
”a new but rapidly expanding approach where people with lung disease take part in a group activity that can improve breathing control and posture, without directly focusing on their respiratory limitations...
Participants report that singing helps them to manage their breathlessness, improving quality of life, mood, activities of daily living and participation in meaningful social and physical activity.
Lewis et al (2017)Singing for Lung Health: a qualitative assessment of a British Lung Foundation programme for group leaders, BMJ Open Respiratory Research
The benefits of Singing for Lung Health include:
The Singing for Lung Health programme for those who are breathless includes a core set of learning aims for participants:
These aims are achieved through physical, breathing and vocal warm ups delivered creatively and musically. Rhythm and pitch games, appropriate song repertoire and relaxation are fundamental components to the experience.
Singing for Lung Health began with two groups in 2007. Since then Singing for Breathing Groups have been set up across the UK.
Find out more about how Singing for Lung Health started.