After experiencing a stroke in 2022, Serge Belloncik developed aphasia, a condition affecting his speech. This was a significant change for the 81-year-old scientist and former professor who was used to speaking at conferences and giving lectures. Despite some improvement in his communication skills, he still faces challenges.
Participating in a study investigating the potential benefits of choir singing for individuals with aphasia, Belloncik meets weekly with a small group of fellow aphasia sufferers at a community center in Montreal. During a recent session, after undergoing vocal assessments and wearing a heart-rate monitor for research purposes, Belloncik and three others sang together, led by a vocal director on piano.
Led by Anna Zumbansen, a professor at the University of Ottawa’s school of rehabilitation sciences, the randomized controlled trial is part of the SingWell initiative, focusing on the impact of group singing on individuals with chronic post-stroke aphasia. The study involves 12 weekly choir sessions across four locations in Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, and Tampa Bay, Fla.
According to Édith Durand, an assistant professor of speech-language pathology at the Université de Québec à Trois-Rivières and a researcher in the study, the aim is to demonstrate the positive effects of choir activity on language skills and social interactions for people with aphasia.
Research has suggested that singing can enhance the ability of individuals with aphasia to express themselves. Dr. Alexander Thiel, a stroke neurologist at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal, mentioned the effectiveness of melodic intonation therapy, which targets the unaffected part of the brain to facilitate communication through non-language functions like rhythm and pitch.
While traditional aphasia treatments primarily focus on the acute phase post-stroke, the study explores the long-term benefits of music-based interventions in group settings. The potential positive outcomes of these therapies are being investigated to determine their efficacy for individuals with aphasia.
Frank Russo, a psychology professor at Toronto Metropolitan University and the founder of SingWell, emphasized the importance of rigorous scientific research in validating the effectiveness of group therapies for aphasia. Belloncik remains optimistic that the study will contribute valuable insights to the treatment of aphasia and benefit others facing similar challenges.
