Participants with Parkinson’s sought for key study utilising singing as a facial rehabilitation resource

Participants with Parkinson’s Disease are being sought for an innovative study exploring weekly singing sessions which researchers hope will demonstrate improvements in facial mobility and expression capability.

The study, which is a partnership between the University of Suffolk’s Institute of Health and Wellbeing, the University of Essex, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) and Britten Pears Arts, will compare facial mobility and expression between participants in Britten Pears Arts’ East Suffolk Skylarks weekly singing programme with those who do not sing.

A reduction or loss in face movements and expressions impacts around 92 per cent of people living with Parkinson’s. Known as hypomimia, it can take the form of facial masking akin to a ‘poker face’, facial spasms or involuntary ‘stuck’ facial expressions.

It can have devastating impacts for the emotional and social wellbeing of people living with Parkinson’s, as they face social stigmatisation and a deterioration in self-esteem and confidence.

Researchers believe that the exaggerated facial movements required in musical theatre singing could help improve facial muscle strength and enhance circulation in a fun, non-clinical setting.

The study is looking for 20 people living with Parkinson’s to take part in the weekly two-hour East Suffolk Skylarks programme, which begins on Thursday 8 January and will alternate between Kesgrave Community Centre and Snape Maltings over 12 weeks.

A further 20 people living with Parkinson’s are being sought as ‘control participants’ – those who won’t do the singing. Instead, those participants will come to the University Suffolk on three occasions spaced six weeks apart for around half an hour. Their facial expressions and movements will be measured and compared to those on the Skylarks programme.

Dr Abigail Webb, Clinical Research Fellow in the University of Suffolk’s Institute of Health and Wellbeing, said: “Many local and national incentives demonstrate the impact of singing on the physical and psychological wellbeing of people living with Parkinson’s, but no study to date has evaluated them for their efficacy as a rehabilitative tool to improve facial mobility.

“By delivering a fun, non-clinical intervention that can help address the symptoms of facial hypomimia, we will measure whether facial exercises in these sessions influence facial mobility and self-confidence.”

Caro Barnfield, Director of the Music Programme, Britten Pears Arts said: “Our Later Life Programmes are an integral part of our work at Britten Pears Arts. 

“The East Suffolk Skylarks groups use techniques based on years of research to help those with Parkinson’s to maintain or improve their psychological and physical wellbeing through taking part in regular singing activity. 

“The positive impact of singing in a variety of circumstances is well proven, and we are delighted to be part of this next phase of research that will serve people in our region and beyond.”

Dr Sebastian Korb from the University of Essex’s Department of Psychology, said: “I am excited to be part of this innovative project, that constitutes an initial step in the quest to better understand the role of facial mobility in emotion.

“I am immensely grateful for everyone who will take part in this research, and I hope they enjoy singing in the beautiful Suffolk countryside.

“If you or any of your loved ones can help our study, please get in touch and help us learn more about Parkinson’s.”

The study has received full NHS ethical approval and participants will soon be invited through NHS partners. 

Sheeba Mason is the chief investigator for the musical theatre and facial expression in Parkinson’s study at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT). 

She said: “Communication using facial expression is a fundamental aspect of our non-verbal everyday interactions, but facial masking (reduced facial expression) is a common feature in people living with Parkinson's, which is often misread resulting in social stigmatisation or exclusion. This causes significant impact on an individual’s social wellbeing and self-confidence.

“There is limited research in this area so we hope the findings of this pilot project will demonstrate feasibility and the evidence required to power future research.”

The pilot study, funded by Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity Fund, will generate crucial initial data which the project partners hope will inform a future upscaled follow-on study.

Mandy Jordan is the Associate Director of Charity at ESNEFT. She said: “Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity is proud to fund this research study. Every breakthrough brings hope to families living with Parkinson’s in our community. Together we can make this happen. Please get involved and help us make a real difference.”
 
Participants living with Parkinson’s can sign-up to take part in either the singing programme or the control group by contacting Dr Webb on 01473 338162 or a.webb6@uos.ac.uk. 

Find out more about the East Suffolk Skylarks programme here.

For more details about the University's Institute of Health and Wellbeing, visit the webpage here.