Choir Singing for Aphasia

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

+3 other locations

Overseen by Frank Russo, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: University of Ottawa

Disqualifiers: Neurological, Psychiatric, Substance abuse, others

No Placebo Group

Approved in 3 Jurisdictions

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this randomized controled trial is to test the effects of assigning people with chronic post-stroke aphasia to 12 weekly choir sessions, compared to usual care. The main question it aims to answer is: Does the assignment to a choir singing program causes a beneficial effect on functional communication and language recovery as well as psychosocial outcomes compared to usual care in the rehabilitation of people with chronic post-stroke aphasia? Participants will have: 12 in-person choir-singing sessions (1 session/week, 1,5 h/session, total 18h) conducted by a choir master, and home singing training (3 x 30-minutes-sessions/week, total 18h)

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to consult with the trial coordinators or your doctor for guidance.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Community Choir Singing, Choir Therapy, Music Therapy for Aphasia, Singing Therapy?

Research shows that group-based singing interventions can improve communication and speech production in people with chronic aphasia, as well as enhance social participation and reduce caregiver burden. Singing therapy has been found to strengthen breathing, improve speech articulation, and increase communicative behaviors in aphasia patients. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is choir singing therapy safe for people with aphasia or other conditions?

Research on choir singing therapy for conditions like aphasia, stroke, and Parkinson's disease suggests it is generally safe and well-tolerated. Participants have reported positive experiences, and no significant safety concerns have been highlighted in the studies. ^{1 4 6 7 8}

How does choir singing treatment for aphasia differ from other treatments?

Choir singing treatment for aphasia is unique because it uses group singing to improve speech, leveraging the brain's ability to process music and rhythm, which can be more effective than traditional speech therapy alone. This approach is particularly beneficial as it combines social interaction with therapy, potentially enhancing motivation and engagement. ^{1 2 8 9 10}

Research Team

Carole Anglade, PhD

Principal Investigator

Université de Montréal

Édith Durand, PhD

Principal Investigator

Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières

Jennifer Bugos, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of South Florida

Anna Zumbansen, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Ottawa

Arla Good, PhD

Principal Investigator

Toronto Metropolitan University

Frank Russo, PhD

Principal Investigator

Toronto Metropolitan University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals with chronic post-stroke aphasia, which is a language disorder that occurs after a stroke. Participants should be interested in joining choir sessions and committed to additional singing practice at home.

Inclusion Criteria

People with chronic aphasia following stroke

English or French as language of daily use

My last stroke was more than 6 months ago.

Exclusion Criteria

Regular music making in the past 6 months

Hearing deficit that cannot be corrected and might impair testing

Presence of neurological/psychiatric co-morbidity or substance abuse

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in 12 weekly choir sessions and home singing training

12 weeks

12 in-person sessions, weekly home training

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

2 months

Follow-up assessments at 2 months post-treatment

Crossover Extension

Participants in the usual care group receive the choir intervention

12 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Community Choir Singing (Behavioral Intervention)

Trial Overview The study tests if joining a choir and practicing singing at home can help improve communication skills, language abilities, and overall well-being compared to the usual care received after a stroke.

Participant Groups

Group I: BA Group Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

First usual care, then choir

Group II: AB Group Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

First choir, then usual care

Community Choir Singing is already approved in Canada for the following indications:

Approved in Canada as Community Choir Singing for:

• Rehabilitation of chronic post-stroke aphasia

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations Nearby Select from list below to view details:

University of Ottawa Ottawa, Canada

Université de Montréal Montréal, Canada

University of South Florida Tampa, FL

Toronto Metropolitan University Toronto, Canada

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Ottawa

Lead Sponsor

Trials

231

Patients Recruited

267,000+

Toronto Metropolitan University

Collaborator

Trials

95

Patients Recruited

19,300+

Université de Montréal

Collaborator

Trials

223

Patients Recruited

104,000+

University of South Florida

Collaborator

Trials

433

Patients Recruited

198,000+

Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières

Collaborator

Trials

48

Patients Recruited

4,500+

Findings from Research

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Speech and Music Therapy in the Treatment of Childhood Apraxia of Speech: An Introduction and a Case Study. van Tellingen, M., Hurkmans, J., Terband, H., et al.[2023]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effective music therapy techniques in the treatment of nonfluent aphasia. Tomaino, CM.[2012]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The therapeutic effect of neurologic music therapy and speech language therapy in post-stroke aphasic patients. Lim, KB., Kim, YK., Lee, HJ., et al.[2021]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of a multicomponent singing intervention on communication and psychosocial functioning in chronic aphasia: a randomized controlled crossover trial. Siponkoski, ST., Pitkäniemi, A., Laitinen, S., et al.[2023]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Improvement of spontaneous language in stroke patients with chronic aphasia treated with music therapy: a randomized controlled trial. Raglio, A., Oasi, O., Gianotti, M., et al.[2017]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Singing for people with aphasia (SPA): results of a pilot feasibility randomised controlled trial of a group singing intervention investigating acceptability and feasibility. Tarrant, M., Carter, M., Dean, SG., et al.[2021]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Choral singing therapy following stroke or Parkinson's disease: an exploration of participants' experiences. Fogg-Rogers, L., Buetow, S., Talmage, A., et al.[2019]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Singing for the Rehabilitation of Acquired Neurogenic Communication Disorders: Continuing the Evidence Dialogue with a Survey of Current Practices in Speech-Language Pathology. Behaghel, E., Zumbansen, A.[2022]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Making non-fluent aphasics speak: sing along! Racette, A., Bard, C., Peretz, I.[2006]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Singing therapy can be effective for a patient with severe nonfluent aphasia. Yamaguchi, S., Akanuma, K., Hatayama, Y., et al.[2015]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Speech and Music Therapy in the Treatment of Childhood Apraxia of Speech: An Introduction and a Case Study. [2023]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effective music therapy techniques in the treatment of nonfluent aphasia. [2012]

3. Korea (South) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The therapeutic effect of neurologic music therapy and speech language therapy in post-stroke aphasic patients. [2021]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of a multicomponent singing intervention on communication and psychosocial functioning in chronic aphasia: a randomized controlled crossover trial. [2023]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Improvement of spontaneous language in stroke patients with chronic aphasia treated with music therapy: a randomized controlled trial. [2017]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Singing for people with aphasia (SPA): results of a pilot feasibility randomised controlled trial of a group singing intervention investigating acceptability and feasibility. [2021]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Choral singing therapy following stroke or Parkinson's disease: an exploration of participants' experiences. [2019]

8. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Singing for the Rehabilitation of Acquired Neurogenic Communication Disorders: Continuing the Evidence Dialogue with a Survey of Current Practices in Speech-Language Pathology. [2022]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Making non-fluent aphasics speak: sing along! [2006]

10. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Singing therapy can be effective for a patient with severe nonfluent aphasia. [2015]