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Undergraduate Research Award: The Cumulative Effect of Kazoo Playing on Expiratory Duration in Older Adults

2013; Oxford University Press; Volume: 31; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1093/mtp/31.2.157

2053-7387

Sarah Hudziak,

Physical Activity and Health

As the population of older adults grows, there is a need for effective yet inexpensive methods for healthy older adults to maintain respiratory function and health. Guided group kazoo playing lead by a music therapist may be an effective and enjoyable way for older adults to maintain respiratory health. The respiratory system becomes gradually less efficient at delivering oxygen with age. Acute infections and chronic conditions can further reduce respiratory function. Previous research has shown that singing and playing wind instruments are effective treatments for individuals with compromised respiratory health (Bonilha, et al, 2009; Rasar, 2010; Tamplin, 2009; Wade, 2002; Wiens, et al, 1999). However, no previous research has investigated the effects of kazoo playing on respiratory function in older adults. To determine if kazoo playing is an effective method for extending expiratory duration in older adults. Expiratory duration was defined as the amount of time in seconds a subject could exhale on a slow “hiss” after a full inhalation. Seven subjects (ages 70 to 87 years) were participants in an adult day services program. Subjects participated in six, 45-minute sessions of group instruction. During sessions, the researcher instructed the subjects in specific breathing and phonation exercises, and led the group in playing familiar popular and folk songs on kazoos. Subjects' expiratory duration in seconds was measured following each session. Average expiratory duration over time was compared and analyzed. Data showed an increase in average expiratory duration over the course of the study from 6.00s to 11.90s, but results were not statistically significant (p = 0.066). Five of the seven subjects showed a general increase in expiratory duration over the course of the study, while the remaining two subjects showed a general decrease in expiratory duration. Results suggest that kazoo playing may be an effective method for extending expiratory duration in older adults, but more research is needed. Anecdotal observations suggest that kazoo playing is an appropriate and pleasurable activity for older adults, as subjects expressed enjoyment and anticipation of sessions. Findings and anecdotal observations suggest that kazoo playing may be an effective, appropriate, and enjoyable group music therapy intervention for older adults to maintain respiratory health. However, kazoo playing may be inappropriate for clients with certain medical conditions, as two subjects showed a decrease in expiratory duration. It is unknown which medical conditions may contribute to this decrease. Due to the small sample size, additional research with larger samples is warranted to determine if kazoo playing has statistically significant effects on expiratory duration in older adults. Additional research is needed to determine if kazoo playing has significant impacts on clinical measures of respiratory health, chronic conditions, and acute respiratory infections among older adults.