Exploring the Outcomes of Singing and Diaphragmatic Breathing in Participants With Asthma

This study investigated the effects of singing and/or breathing. Sixty participants with asthma partook in weekly singing (n=22), breathing (n=20) and singing and breathing (n=18) sessions over four weeks. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and forced expiratory volume during the first second (FEV1) were measured prior to and following each session, along with a breathlessness questionnaire (MBS). An asthma control questionnaire (ACQ) was completed weekly. Wellbeing measures included a psychological distress measure (GHQ) and a quality of life measure (SGRQ), completed during the first and last sessions. There was a significant improvement in MBS, PEFR, and GHQ measures over four weeks. Components of SGRQ (symptoms and impacts) also improved. There were no significant group differences in breathing or wellbeing measures. Participants enjoyed practicing more when singing was combined with breathing. While all conditions were beneficial for participants with asthma, individuals may demonstrate greater adherence to singing.