Music therapy research targets COPD respiratory function in Kansas City

Dr. Amy Wilson, a board-certified music therapist at Saint Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute in Kansas City, has conducted interdisciplinary research into the use of music therapy to improve respiratory function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The study, conducted alongside a team of physicians, neuroscientists, and biomedical engineers, focused on using singing interventions to enhance phrase length and pitch jumps. Additionally, the research aimed to utilize music therapy techniques to reduce anxiety to improve respiratory control, while also incorporating assessments of hope.