Singing for children and adults with bronchiectasis.

BACKGROUND: Bronchiectasis is a common respiratory disease, especially in developing countries. Its cause varies from chronic infection to rare immune deficiencies. Bronchiectasis can be present with other respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). People with bronchiectasis may suffer from chronic cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain and coughing up blood. Their lung function may decline with time. These can also have a negative impact on their quality of life. Thus, a holistic management is needed to provide treatment and support. Therapies which include breathing manoeuvres, such as singing, may have health benefits for respiratory function and psychological well being. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of a singing intervention as a therapy on the quality of life, morbidity, respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function of children and adults with bronchiectasis. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Airways Group (CAG) trials register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, major allied complementary databases, and clinical trials registers. Professional organisations and individuals were also contacted. CAG performed searches in February, and additional searches were carried out in June 2009. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials in which singing (as an intervention) is compared with either a sham intervention or no singing in patients with bronchiectasis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently reviewed the titles, abstracts and citations to assess potential relevance for full review. No eligible trials were identified and thus no data were available for analysis. MAIN RESULTS: No meta-analysis could be performed. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of data, we cannot draw any conclusion to support or refute the adoption of singing as an intervention for people with bronchiectasis. Given the simplicity of the potentially beneficial intervention, future randomised controlled trials are required to evaluate singing therapy for people with bronchiectasis.

Singing for children and adults with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis is a genetically inherited, life-threatening condition that affects major organs. The management of cystic fibrosis involves a multi-faceted daily treatment regimen that includes airway clearance physiotherapy, taking pancreatic enzymes and other medications. Previous studies identified that compliance with this intensive treatment especially among adolescents with cystic fibrosis is poor. Because of both the nature and consequences of the illness and the relentless demands of treatments, many individuals with cystic fibrosis are likely to have a poor quality of life. Anecdotal evidence suggests that singing may provide rigorous exercises for the whole respiratory system as well as a means for emotional expression, which may enhance quality of life. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of a singing intervention in addition to usual therapy on the quality of life, morbidity, respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function of children and adults with cystic fibrosis. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Group's Cystic Fibrosis Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, major allied complementary data bases, and clinical trial registers. Hand searching for relevant conference proceedings and journals was also carried out.Date of search of Trials Register: 02 September 2009.Date of additional searches: 17 September 2009. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials in which singing (as an adjunctive intervention) is compared with either a sham intervention or no singing in people with cystic fibrosis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: No trials were found that met the selection criteria. MAIN RESULTS: No meta-analysis could be performed. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: As no studies that met the criteria were found, this review is unable to support or refute the benefits of singing as a therapy for people with cystic fibrosis. Future randomised controlled trials are required to evaluate singing therapy for people with cystic fibrosis.