Can Singing in a Choir Be a Key Strategy for Lifelong Health? A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Singing in a choir can play a significant role in a strategy for lifelong health. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status and the quality of life of healthy adults singing in a choir.

Methods: The cross-sectional study, carried out from August 2017 to June 2018, was preceded by a weekly pilot study. A total of 100 choristers (72 women, 72.0%) aged 19-70 years (mean age was 38.30 ± 15.99 years) were included in the study. The control group consisted of 100 healthy adults (68 women, 68.0%) aged 19-70 years (mean age was 38.48 ± 16.09).

Results: Significantly lower body weight and body mass index and significantly lower results of selected body composition components (P< 0.05) were found in the study group in comparison with the control group. The choristers showed significantly lower values of basal metabolic rate (P= 0.004) and metabolic age (P< 0.001). In addition, a significantly higher quality of life was observed in the group of choristers in each of the domains tested (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Singing in the choir may have effect on lifelong health, defined as better nutritional status and better perception of quality of life and health.

Keywords: Body composition—Health—Nutritional status—Singing.