Singing for Chronic Pain v1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Singing for Chronic Pain, a pilot study of a new intervention for the management of chronic pain.
IRAS ID
264302
Contact name
Jo Erwin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 12 months, 0 days
Research summary
Many people in the UK are living with chronic pain. Finding ways to help people manage their pain is of key importance.
Programmes have been established using singing to improve the health and quality of life of people with health problems such as Parkinsons, Dementia and breathing problems. Singing releases pain-relieving endorphins and the social benefits of singing together are well established. However, there has been little robust research to investigate whether singing may have a positive effect on the health and well-being of people with chronic pain.
To investigate whether singing can help people to manage their chronic pain the applicants, working together with people with chronic pain, have developed a singing intervention, Singing for Chronic Pain. The model takes a holistic approach using voice and singing, movement, sound, mindfulness and breath work to provide opportunities for people with chronic pain to connect body, voice, breath and mind. This is important given that many people with chronic pain suffer from depression and often use body dissociation as a way to cope with their pain. The model aims to enhance body awareness, build self-efficacy and increase feelings of well-being. Socially, the act of singing together can promote a sense of belonging, social inclusion and social engagement which is important as many people with chronic pain feel isolated and disconnected from the world.
We will carry out a pilot research project to see whether it is feasible to deliver the Singing for Chronic Pain programme to people attending a pain clinic in Cornwall and whether there is any evidence to suggest that the programme has a positive effect on important measures of pain management. If the pilot proves successful we will be looking to conduct a larger randomised controlled trial which is a gold standard for evidence of effectiveness.REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/SW/0123
Date of REC Opinion
23 Oct 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion