Vocal Intervention

The concept of Vocal Intervention (VI) combines music therapy and vocal pedagogy with the aim of addressing both the psychological and physical aspects of chronic illnesses on an individual basis. The physical exercises, which are largely derived from vocal pedagogy, include perception and posture exercises, relaxation exercises for the whole body, and breathing, lip, tongue and jaw exercises. All exercises are individually combined with voice and singing exercises or the singing of songs, and are also linked to instrumental or vocal improvisations.

Building on the positive results of the study “Die Rehabilitation von PatientInnen mit Systemischer Sklerodermie mittels vokaler Intervention – eine Pilotstudie” (The rehabilitation of patients with systemic scleroderma using vocal intervention – a pilot study), patients with respiratory limitations from other patient groups are treated using vocal intervention. Chronic illnesses associated with respiratory limitations often lead to a reduced quality of life and the development of depressive symptoms. Singing has a positive influence on functionality in terms of increasing maximum expiratory mouth-closing pressure and improving the quality of life of patients with obstructive lung diseases. Another proven physiological effect of singing, in addition to improving lung function, is the positive influence on laboratory-based stress markers.

Study objective: This pilot study aims to evaluate the acceptability of vocal intervention in the rehabilitation of patients with respiratory limitations. Furthermore, it aims to demonstrate the extent to which individual limitations (restricted mouth opening, impaired lung function, quality of life) caused by chronic conditions can be influenced by vocal intervention.

Study design: Pilot study

Study participants: 30 patients suffering from chronic conditions with respiratory limitations

Study parameters: ZUF-8 questionnaire (patient satisfaction), SF-36 score (assessment of quality of life), PHQ-9 questionnaire (assessment of depressive disorders), lung function test, mouth opening (in mm), vital signs (non-invasive), salivary cortisol, Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI)

Project partner:

Project team: Thomas Stegemann, Johanna Zachhuber (mdw); Richard Crevenna & Michael Mickel (AKH)

Project duration: March 2026 – February 2027

Contact: zachhuber@mdw.ac.at