From Soundwaves to BrainWaves: The effects of choral singing on recovery from stroke and aphasia

2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp18X696821 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Marley ◽  
Bernadette Matthias ◽  
Linda Worrall ◽  
Maya Guest ◽  
Christopher Allan
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
New England ◽  
Outcome Measurement ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Choral Singing ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Qualitative Work

BackgroundStroke is a leading cause of death and disability. Recovery is frequently compromised by reduced well-being, mood, socialisation and quality of life. Music and singing are recognised as enhancing well-being and benefit people with chronic illness. Evidence suggested that choir singing may improve the fluency of people with aphasia. Choirs existed for people with brain impairment; no studies had robust design and outcome measurement.AimTo conduct a pilot study in Newcastle, Australia in a collaboration between Hunter New England Health and the University of Newcastle. To explore the effects of choral singing on quality of life, well-being, mood, social participation and communication skills of community-dwelling stroke survivors including people with aphasia.MethodA mixed methods waitlist control design was used. 39 people at least 6 months post-stroke were assessed before and after a 12-week choir rehearsal period. Carers were invited to participate. Subjects were interviewed at the end of the period.ResultsMeasures of communication improved significantly and a trend to improvement in overall quality of life was seen. Depression and disability were significant in their impact on overall quality of life scores. Qualitative work reported increased quality of life, confidence, independence, mood and socialization and improvements in speech and communication were also reported.ConclusionOur pilot showed that a 12-week choir program for stroke survivors and carers is feasible and benefits quality of life, well-being, mood, community participation and communication in people with aphasia.

scholarly journals Gait performance and quality of life in stroke survivors: a cross-sectional study

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camila Marinho ◽  
Maiana Monteiro ◽  
Luciana Santos ◽  
Jamary Oliveira-Filho ◽  
Elen Beatriz Pinto
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Functional Capacity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Walk Test ◽  
Substantial Impact ◽  
Gait Performance

INTRODUCTION: Stroke is one of the major causes of neurological deficiencies in the world, and can lead to a wide spectrum of physical deficiencies, including gait performance. These gait abnormalities have a substantial impact on functional activities, lifestyle, and the individual's perceptions about the functionality of daily life and well-being after stroke. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate gait performance, identifying determining which gait components were associated with impaired quality of life in stroke survivors. METHODS: Individuals with  independent gait after a stroke, with or without the use of walking aids such as crutches or canes  were included in the study.  The socio-demographic and clinical data were recorded, then some tests were evaluated, with o 6-minute walk test (6MWT), 10-meters walk test (10MWT), Timed Up & Go (TUG), modified Barthel Index (mBI),National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and European Quality of life – 5 dimensions (EQ-5D). A stepwise multivariable logistic regression model assessed predictors of impaired QoL. RESULTS: A total of 124 individual with a mean age of 66 years and median NIHSS of 3 points were included. The mean EQ-5D was 0.44 (SD 0.38) and 91 individuals (73%) had impaired QoL. There was a positive correlation between 6MWT and EQ-5D (r = 0.48, p <0.001). Increasing age, functional capacity, 6MWT, 10MWT, stroke severity and female sex were associated with impaired QoL (p<0.05). In the multivariable analysis, 6MWT (OR 0.94 per 10m increase, p=0.046), functional capacity (OR 0.66, p=0.022) and age (OR 0.54 per 10 year increase, p=0.002) were associated with impaired QoL. CONCLUSION: Distance walked in 6MWT was the strongest gait aspect independently associated with quality of life in community-dwelling individuals with independent gait after a stroke.

Quality of Life before and after Lung Transplantation in Patients with Emphysema versus other Indications

2001 ◽  
Vol 89 (3) ◽  
pp. 707-717 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. M. TenVergert ◽  
K. M. Vermeulen ◽  
A. Geertsma ◽  
P. J. van Enckevort ◽  
W. J. de Boer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Lung Transplantation ◽  
Nottingham Health Profile ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Profile ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

Whether lung transplantation improves Health-related Quality of Life in patients with emphysema and other end-stage lung diseases before and after lung transplantation was examined. Berween 1992 and 1999, 23 patients with emphysema and 19 patients with other indications completed self-administered questionnaires before lung transplantation, and at 4, 7, 13, and 25 mo. after transplantation. The questionnaire included the Nottingham Health Profile, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Self-rating Depression Scale, the Index of Well-being, the self-report Karnofsky Index, and four respiratory-specific questions. Neither before nor after transplantation were significant differences found on most dimensions of Health-related Quality of Life between patients with emphysema and other indications. Before transplantation, both groups report major restrictions on the dimensions Energy and Mobility of the Nottingham Health Profile, low experienced well-being, depressive symptoms, and high dyspnea. About 4 mo. after transplantation, most Health-related Quality of Life measures improved significantly in both groups. These improvements were maintained in the following 21 mo.

scholarly journals An Association of Quality of Life and Ageing Perceptions Among Community Dwelling Older Adults in Uganda

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joy Louise -Onoria ◽  
Raymond Odokonyero ◽  
Bruno Giordani ◽  
Dickens Akena ◽  
Emmanuel Mwesiga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
Positive Perception

Abstract Background: Uganda’s population, though, largely characterized by young people, has seen the number of people aged 60 and over grow from 686,000 twenty years ago, to 1,433,596 in 2014. Effective caring for the well-being of this population requires strategic and deliberate planning that involves quality of life (QoL) assessments. QoL assessments among the elderly are important in evaluating the efficacy of strategies, such as health interventions, welfare programs, health care, and well-being of the elderly. However, elderly in Uganda face several challenges, ranging from loneliness, poor housing, lack of social and financial support, and poor health. These may negatively affect older persons’ quality of life and consequently their perceptions and attitudes towards aging. Methods: The study was carried out in 2019 in the communities of Nansana and Busukuma town councils in Wakiso district, Uganda. The participants were 380 people 60 years and older. To establish the association between perceptions of ageing and QoL, this study utilized a locally adapted version of the Older Person’s Quality of Life Questionnaire (OPQOL) and the Brief Ageing Perceptions Questionnaire (B-APQ). The OPQOL assesses three domains of QoL: Health QoL (HQoL); Social economic QoL (SQoL); and Psychosocial QoL (PQoL). The B-APQ assesses perceptions about physical age, participation in social activities, and perceptions about ability to regulate emotions as one ages. Pearson’s Chi-square tests were used to characterize the relationship between the perceptions and quality of life.Results: The majority of the respondents, 61% (95%CI 56.7-64.8), had negative perceptions towards ageing. Eighty six percent had poor HQoL, 90% poor SQoL and 83% poor PQoL. There was a significant association between good HQoL and positive perception about participation in social activities (X2 = 7.3670, P = 0.007) as well as with positive perception on regulation of emotions (X2 = 18.1803, P<0.001). There was a significant association between good SQoL and positive perception about participation in social activities (X2 = 5.3472, P = 0.021), as well with positive perception on regulation of emotions (X2 = 10.5128, P<0.001). A significant association between good PQoL and positive perception on regulation of emotions (X2 = 9.2414, P= 0.002).Conclusion: Positive perceptions of ageing are associated with good QoL. Directly addressing perceptions of ageing could be a low cost and effective strategy to improve the QoL of older persons in SSA

scholarly journals Community ageing research 75+ study (CARE75+): an experimental ageing and frailty research cohort

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. e026744 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Heaven ◽  
Lesley Brown ◽  
John Young ◽  
Elizabeth Teale ◽  
Rebecca Hawkins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Older People ◽  
Science Studies ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Ageing Research ◽  
Study Results

IntroductionThe Community Ageing Research 75+ Study (CARE75+) is a longitudinal cohort study collecting an extensive range of health, social and economic data, with a focus on frailty, independence and quality of life in older age. CARE75+ is the first international experimental frailty research cohort designed using Trial within Cohorts (TwiCs) methodology, to align applied epidemiological research with clinical trial evaluation of interventions to improve the health and well-being of older people living with frailty.Methods and analysisProspective cohort study using a TwiCs design. One thousand community-dwelling older people (≥75 years) will be recruited from UK general practices. Nursing home residents, those with an estimated life expectancy of 3 months or less and people receiving palliative care will be excluded. Data collection assessments will be face to face in the person’s home at baseline, 6 months, 12 months, 24 months and 48 months, including assessments of frailty, cognition, mood, health-related quality of life, comorbidity, medications, resilience, loneliness, pain and self-efficacy. A modified protocol for follow-up by telephone or web based will be offered at 6 months. Consent will be sought for data linkage and invitations to additional studies, including intervention studies using the TwiCs design. A blood sample biobank will be established for future basic science studies.Ethics and disseminationCARE75+ was approved by the NRES Committee Yorkshire and the Humber—Bradford Leeds 10 October 2014 (14/YH/1120). Formal written consent is sought if an individual is willing to participate and has capacity to provide informed consent. Consultee assent is sought if an individual lacks capacity.Study results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed scientific journals and scientific conferences. Key study results will be summarised and disseminated to all study participants via newsletters, local older people’s publications and local engagement events. Results will be reported on a bespoke CARE75+ website.Trial registration numberISRCTN16588124;Results stage

scholarly journals NOTEWORTHY: THE IMPACT OF A CHOIR FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH DEMENTIA ON THE WELL-BEING AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF CAREGIVERS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S752-S752
Author(s):  
Debra J Sheets ◽  
Stuart W MacDonald ◽  
Andre Smith ◽  
Mary Kennedy
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Caregiver Support ◽  
Economic Implications ◽  
Health Quality ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Informal caregivers provide 80% of the care needed to support community-dwelling older adults with dementia. Over time caregivers often face adverse effects on their health, quality of life and well-being; particularly those caring for someone with dementia. This study examines the impact of participation in the Voices in Motion (ViM) choir on caregiver burden, mood and quality of life. A measurement burst approach was used to investigate intraindividual variability on key psychosocial and health indicators. Results indicate that choir participation significantly improves caregiver well-being (e.g. mood, burden) and quality of life. Findings suggest that choirs offer significant caregiver support and respite. The discussion focuses the public policy and on the potential economic implications which suggests a shift is needed in the services available to older adults with dementia and their caregivers.

scholarly journals RAISING OUR VOICES: THE BENEFITS OF AN INTERGENERATIONAL CHOIR FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA AND THEIR CARE PARTNERS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S751-S752
Author(s):  
Debra J Sheets ◽  
Theresa A Allison
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
The Body ◽  
Social Intervention ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
People With Dementia

Abstract This interdisciplinary symposium focuses on the Voices in Motion (ViM) choir, a novel social intervention to address issues of stigma and social isolation among older adults with dementia and their caregivers. ViM is an intergenerational choir for community-dwelling older adults with dementia (PwD) and their caregivers. Local high school students participated in the choir and added to the lively social interactions. Two professionally directed ViM choirs were fully implemented in 2018-2019 with a public performance in the Fall and Spring seasons. This symposium brings together multiple methodologies to investigate the effects of choir participation on cognition, social connections, stigma, and quality of life for the dyads. Results in the individual papers demonstrate the positive impact of choir participation on dyads (n=26) for measures that includecognition (MacDonald), well-being and quality of life (Sheets), and social connections (Smith). Taken as a whole, the papers indicate that this social intervention offers an effective non- pharmacological alternative approach for older adults with dementia. Choir participation has important and significant impacts on psycho-social well-being and quality of life. The body of evidence presented points to the importance of intergenerational programs that are dementia-friendly and that support meaningful participation by older adults with dementia in the broader community. Discussion focuses on implications for social policy with attention on the replication and sustainability of the program.

scholarly journals Quality of life and social support: Perspectives of Saudi Arabian stroke survivors

2020 ◽  
Vol 103 (3) ◽  
pp. 003685042094760
Author(s):  
Abdulrahman M Alshahrani
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Employment Status ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Community Education ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Critical Knowledge ◽  
Multivariate Multiple Regression

Given that stroke is an indispensable health burden in Saudi Arabia and around the world, great importance has been attached on studies of social support and other factors that could improve the quality of life of stroke survivors. Perceptions of quality of life and social support may vary depending on patients’ cultural and societal background. This research assessed the quality of life and social support of community-dwelling Saudis who survived stroke. A quantitative study was performed among 123 Saudi stroke survivors. Questionnaire-guided interviews measuring social support and quality of life were performed, and the multivariate effects of predictor variables on the four domains of quality of life were determined through multivariate multiple regression analysis. Among the dimensions of social support, support from family members had the highest average, whereas support from friends had the lowest. The environmental domain of quality of life was perceived to be the best aspect, whereas physical health was perceived to be the poorest. Multivariate analysis revealed that age, gender, employment status, monthly family income, type of community, education, type of stroke, side of stroke and support from significant others had multivariate influences on the domains of quality of life. Several sociodemographic and disease-related variables and social support influence patients’ quality of life. The study adds critical knowledge as to how Arab stroke survivors perceive their quality of life and social support. Ensuring that stroke survivors receive adequate social support is imperative because it can improve their quality of life.

Quality-of-life measurements in patients receiving radiation therapy for colorectal malignancies as compared to other gastrointestinal malignancies.

2011 ◽  
Vol 29 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. 587-587
Author(s):  
B. T. Samuelson ◽  
E. K. Fromme ◽  
J. Waller ◽  
C. R. Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Colorectal Disease ◽  
Definitive Treatment ◽  
Primary Malignancy ◽  
Gastrointestinal Malignancies ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Colorectal Cancer Patients

587 Background: Therapy for GI malignancies has long been known to have a marked impact on quality of life, yet this relationship remains poorly understood. Methods: A retrospective, IRB-approved chart review was performed of 722 patients receiving RT for any cancer diagnosis between 1/1/2006 and 12/31/2008. Subjects completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy General (FACT-G) questionnaire before and after RT. Pre- and immediately post-RT course scores were compared using student t-tests with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons (5 comparisons, alpha =.01). Results: 722 of 1369 (52.7%) possible patients participated in the database. Complete pre and post RT spirituality data were available for 73 (64.6%) patients with GI malignancies. Average age was 62 years, 58 (79%) were male and 52 (71%) received definitive treatment. 27 (37%) had esophageal or gastric cancer, 22 (30%) had colorectal cancer and 24 (33%) had other GI malignancies such as pancreatic or hepatobiliary. Colorectal cancer patients fared better in overall QOL as compared to esophageal and gastric patients, pancreatic and hepatobiliary patients and patients with GI malignancies as a whole, and were the only group in which decline in overall QOL as measured by the FACT-G (77.22 to 73.08, p=0.216) did not reach or approach significance. This appeared to be largely driven by differences in physical and especially functional well-being, in which colorectal patients demonstrated the smallest decline (16.14 to 15.59, p=0.466) of any group. Colorectal patients did, however, demonstrate a larger decline in physical well-being (22.35 to 18.05, p=0.010) and overall QOL than did all-comers with any primary malignancy (22.1 to 19.4, p<.001) and (81.3 to 78.9, p<.001) respectively. Conclusions: Physical and functional well-being, as well as overall quality of life are known to decline in patients with GI malignancies. Patients with colorectal disease appear to fare better than those with esophageal, stomach, pancreatic or hepatobiliary malignancies by these measures. Additional investigations are warranted to further define these differences. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Psychological well-being of older Chinese immigrants living in Australia: a comparison with older Caucasians

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (10) ◽  
pp. 1671-1679 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoping Lin ◽  
Christina Bryant ◽  
Jennifer Boldero ◽  
Briony Dow
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Chinese Immigrants ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Older Chinese ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACTBackground:Few current studies explore psychological well-being among older Chinese immigrants in Australia. The study addressed this gap and provided preliminary data on psychological well-being among this group. Four indicators, namely depression, anxiety, loneliness, and quality of life, were used to present a comprehensive picture of psychological well-being.Methods:Participants were two groups of community-dwelling older people, specifically 59 Chinese immigrants and 60 Australian-born people (median age=77 and 73, respectively). Data were collected through standardized interviews. The Geriatric Depression Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale and the WHO Quality of Life questionnaire were used to measure depression, anxiety, loneliness, and quality of life, respectively.Results:Chinese participants’ median quality of life score was higher than the scale mid-point, indicating relatively high levels of quality of life. However, 10% exhibited symptoms of depression, 6% had symptoms of anxiety, and 49% felt lonely. Compared to Australian participants, Chinese participants reported poorer quality of life and higher levels of loneliness. Importantly, the difference in quality of life remained when the impact of socio-demographic factors was controlled for.Conclusions:This study was the first to use multiple indicators to explore psychological well-being among older Chinese immigrants in Australia. Its results suggest that their psychological well-being might be worse than that of Australian-born people when using loneliness and quality of life as indicators. In particular, loneliness is a common psychological problem among this group, and there is a need for public awareness of this problem.

scholarly journals Effects of Combined Endurance and Resistance Training in Women With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Correale ◽  
Cosme Franklim Buzzachera ◽  
Giulia Liberali ◽  
Erwan Codrons ◽  
Giulia Mallucci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Intervention Period ◽  
Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction ◽  
Leg Extension ◽  
Before And After

Purpose: To test the hypothesis that combined resistance and endurance training would improve muscle strength, fatigue, depression, and quality of life in persons with MS.Methods: Twenty-seven women with MS were randomly assigned to either control (CON, n = 13) or the experimental (EXP, n = 14) group. The participants in the EXP group trained twice a week for 12 weeks, followed by 12 weeks of detraining. Both CON and EXP groups were tested before and after 12 weeks of the intervention period, as well as 12 weeks after training cessation (follow-up), where measures of muscle strength, fatigue, depression, and quality of life were evaluated.Results: There were significant changes in maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), 1RM leg extension, and 1RM chest press following the intervention period in the EXP group (P &lt; 0.05), but not in the CON group (P &gt; 0.05). These changes persisted after 12 weeks of detraining. Similar findings were found for fatigue, depression, and physical and mental composites of quality of life.Conclusion: These results suggest that combined exercise training, at a minimum, prevents the disease-related deterioration of muscular performance and quality of life and well-being in persons with MS.

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