Group Singing for Heart Disease

(GOT VOICE Trial)

This trial explores whether group singing can improve heart health in individuals with a stable history of coronary artery disease, a condition affecting blood flow to the heart. Researchers believe regular singing might enhance vascular function, similar to regular exercise. Participants will either engage in in-person group singing, sing along with videos at home, or receive health education materials. This study suits those aged 55 to 89 with a history of coronary artery disease who are not currently involved in intensive cardiac rehab programs. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research on non-traditional methods for improving heart health.

Research has shown that singing can benefit heart health. One study found that singing along with an instructional video for 30 minutes improved the function of small blood vessels, similar to traditional exercise benefits.

Singing is generally safe, with no reports of serious side effects in these studies. This aligns with the fact that singing is a natural activity many people engage in daily without issues. Participation in this study is unlikely to cause harm through group singing.

Researchers are excited about the Group Singing for Heart Disease trial because it explores a novel approach to improving heart health through music therapy, which is not a traditional treatment option like medication or surgical interventions. Unlike standard treatments that focus on physical interventions, this approach leverages the emotional and social benefits of group singing to potentially enhance cardiovascular health. Group singing sessions offer a unique combination of musical enjoyment, stress reduction, and social interaction, which could contribute to better heart health outcomes. Additionally, the Individual Sing-along Video Series allows participants to experience music therapy independently at their convenience, making it accessible and potentially beneficial for those who may not have access to group sessions.

Research shows that singing can benefit heart health. In this trial, participants will engage in various singing activities. One study found that singing alone for 30 minutes improved the health of small blood vessels, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease by about 25%. Participants in the Individual Sing-along Video Series arm will engage in this activity. Group singing can synchronize heart rates and enhance breathing and heart function, which participants in the Group Singing arm will experience. Singing along with an instructional video also improved small blood vessels, though it didn't affect larger ones. These benefits for the heart and blood vessels are similar to those from traditional heart rehab programs. Participants in the Health Education Arm will receive weekly health education documents to review.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰