Singing songs by Beatles could be hit with patients, says new research

Singing along to some Beatles proved beneficial

- By ELLA PICKOVER, PA

Elvis helps the quality of life

(MICHAEL OCHS ARCHIVES/GETTY IMA)

SINGING songs by Elvis Presley and The Beatles could help patients with lung disease, a small new study suggests.

Researchers found that group singing therapy online can help improve the quality of life among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Experts from Monash University in Australia and the University of Cambridge examined data on 101 patients in Australia.

Half were enrolled onto an online singing programme which took place over 12 weeks.

The 90-minute sessions saw people guided through group singing of songs including Elvis' Can't Help Falling In Love, Let It Be by The Beatles and wartime song Pack Up Your Troubles.

The other half were given usual care.

All of the people in the study took part in surveys designed to assess a person's quality of life.

The score was 7.4 points higher among the singing group, and even higher among the group who attended eight sessions or more.