Musical engagement therapy: An effective add-on in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive degenerative multi-component disorder, is a life-threatening global epidemic, killing on average one person every 10 s. Distressing dyspnea, exhausting leg fatigue, exaggerated self-perception of ill-being, progressing home bounding, and associated stress with resultant anxiety and depression lead to significantly higher exacerbations and increased hospitalization with prolonged length of stay. Music therapy (MT) (singing and listening), an inexpensive and readily accessible resource, has emerged as a promising interventional strategy with acceptance on a wider scale because of its unique link to emotions and soothing power. Singing is well known to increase respiratory muscle strength, sense of breath control, and arterial oxygen saturation level. In otherwise dyspneic patients, the regular singing exercises help improve breathing coordination and better mood, alleviate anxiety, and improve health-related quality of life. Exercise is the most important tool in slowing COPD progression, but the lack of adherence is the common barrier. The physically stimulating and emotionally inspiring music immerses the individual deeply into the physical activity to the extent that he/she would be saved from boredom and excessive fatigue. The resultant ergogenic effect delays fatigue, increases work capacity, endurance, and productivity. Motivational MT and prescribed graded exercise, in addition to specific therapeutic interventions, could significantly slow down the progression of the disease, which is otherwise incurable.

Keywords

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Music therapy. Singing. Health-related quality of life. Coronavirus disease-19 pandemic.