Nenagh COPD singers in pioneering choral event

Published: Thu 25 Jul 2019, 3:19 PM

Last updated: Thu 25 Jul 2019, 4:22 PM

Members of the local Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) support group will be involved in a novel concert taking place in Limerick next week.

'Singstrong' for better lung heath is a choral intervention for people suffering from lung disease. This eight-week pilot programme sponsored by the Irish Research Council in partnership with COPD Support Ireland involved choirs from Limerick, Nenagh and Ennis.

Up to 440,000 Irish people suffer from chronic obstructive COPD (HSE, 2018) and it is the fourth most common cause of death, after lung cancer, heart disease and stroke. Ireland has the highest rate of hospitalisation for COPD in the OECD, and the condition has devastating implications for the sufferer and their family.

In addition to many physical issues associated with chronic breathlessness, cough and pain, many patients lack the physical endurance or confidence to participate fully in their lives, leading to isolation, social exclusion and mental health issues. It is also a silent disease, with many people not knowing they have it until it is at an advanced stage.

Ensuring long-term behavior change in a variety of lifestyle practices is required to address the disease, and community-based structures have been identified as an effective way to support those with COPD.

'Singstrong' for better lung health is a choral intervention for people suffering from lung disease, and embeds healthy practice into an enjoyable community-based activity. Singing has been found to improve lung health, function and psychological wellness.

This eight-week pilot programme is led by Dr Roisín Cahalan at the University of Limerick, and Ms Ciara Meade, singing instructor, in concert with clinicians from the HSE Mid-West region. The project is sponsored by the Irish Research Council in partnership with COPD Support Ireland and involves choirs from Limerick, Nenagh and Ennis. This is the first time that an intervention of this type has been carried out in the Republic of Ireland, although COPD choirs are well established in the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

A short conference to be held in UL on July 31st explores the Singstrong experience from the perspective of various stakeholders, and culminates with a performance by the participants. It will take place at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick, on Wednesday next, July 31st, from 11am to 1pm.