First Singing for Breathing session helps Coventry and Warwickshire patients with long-term respiratory conditions

Singing for Breathing sessions, led by choral teacher Andrew Ella and funded by UHCW Charity, aim to complement physiotherapy through singing in a group setting.

“When patients are singing, they’re improving their breath control and posture, helping to ease their symptoms of breathlessness whilst having fun in a safe space,” said Linda Bowyer, Lead Respiratory Nurse Specialist at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust.

“Not only this but being part of a group activity improves overall wellbeing, bringing patients with similar experiences together and reducing social isolation and low mood.”

For people with lung conditions, singing can help by teaching them to breathe more slowly and deeply, which can reduce the anxiety and panic associated with breathlessness.

Andrew added: “It’s all about patients having fun in an environment where there’s no pressure to be a spectacular singer.

“People who attend say they feel less breathless and that they have better control of their breath, which greatly improves their day-to-day life.”

Singing for breathing uses four basic stages; inhalation, suspension, controlled exhalation and recovery. At the inaugural session, Andrew eased group members into singing by first encouraging them to release tension and relax.

A series of physical warmups and breathing exercises helped patients to loosen up their muscles and airways, ready for some humming and quick sound practices.

Andrew then guided the group through a series of short songs, such as Wade in the Water and Sailing, selected to educate the members on regulating their breathing.

Angela, a patient at the first session said: “The Singing for Breathing session was really good – I’m so glad this is going to be a permanent part of the support group.

“I particularly enjoyed the start of the session and the relaxation exercises because it puts you in the right mood for singing.

“I don’t actually sing to myself, so I didn’t know what my voice sounded like. Physical exercise tires me out quite quickly, but I found it really easy to do Andrew’s singing exercises.”