“ <i>Beyond Just a Singing Group</i> ”: Perceptions of People With Parkinson’s Disease, Caregivers, and Leaders of Singing Groups

Abstract Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease and its prevalence is increasing. There is no cure, so symptom treatment is the only method to decrease the disease burden. One promising intervention shown to improve both motor and nonmotor symptoms in PD is therapeutic singing (TS). Previous researchers have examined perceptions of singing groups for persons with PD and their caregivers, reporting overall positive experiences and outcomes. However, no study has sought to understand the perspectives of the leaders of the singing groups. This study aimed to fill that gap by exploring the perceptions and experiences of participants in singing groups (n = 31), for their caregivers (n = 8), and for those leading the groups (n = 10). Specifically, we sought to understand how singing groups impacted PD symptoms, how the groups might have benefited caregivers and leaders, and what aspects of singing groups encouraged sustained participation. Using a descriptive phenomenological methodology, data were organized using content analyses to make meaning from the interview transcripts, and the resulting themes are meant to describe the essence of the participants’ lived experiences. Three main themes emerged from the data: maintaining connection during the pandemic, peer support, and proactive PD management. These findings indicate that even during a global pandemic, all three participant groups reported positive outcomes driven by strong peer connections and the ability to either experience or observe effective PD management. These findings reinforce the value of TS as a treatment modality for PD, as participants, caregivers, and group leaders alike shared similar perceptions of its benefits. By fostering peer support and empowering proactive symptom management, singing groups may serve as a valuable community-based intervention for individuals living with PD.