The study investigated the effects of group singing instruction on the physical health and general wellness of senior citizens with emphysema. Singing in this study was viewed as a means to an end---ease of respiratory function resulting in improved quality of life. Subjects (n = 7) participated in six weeks of group vocal instruction, which emphasized breath management techniques. To determine the nature of the effects of the instruction, a number of measures were taken at five points before, during, and after the treatment period.; Dependent measures reflected physical health, functional outcomes, and quality of life. Data included descriptive statistics, repeated measure ANOVAs, and dependent samples t-tests. No significant differences were found on measures of physical health (FEV1, inspiratory threshold, distance walked, and The DUKE physical health subscale). Measures of functional outcomes each showed a significant change across time. Results of the ANOVAs for breath management (extent of counting) and breath support (intensity of speech) were significant (p .038 and p .000 respectively). Descriptive analyses showed a clear and dramatic shift in breathing mode from clavicular to diaphragmatic breathing that was maintained two weeks after the treatment period. Quality of life measures yielded mixed results. Subjective ratings of perceived dyspnea (Borg and VAS) were not significant. However, paired samples t-tests showed there was a significant difference for the perceived impact of breathlessness on daily activity (p .01). Additionally, while no change was reported on subjective measures of self-esteem, anxiety, or depression (The DUKE health profile), nearly one-third of the subjects, 50% of those in the first quartile, shifted up a quartile in mental health ratings. This change was especially notable since mental health can affect all other aspects of health and is a vital measure of quality of life. An upward shift in quartiles was also apparent in social health.; Findings of this study suggest that vocal music instruction, inclusive of breathing exercises, may help to improve the quality of life for senior citizens with emphysema. Subjects in this study responded positively to the instruction and further investigation of the treatment method is warranted.
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