The Effects of a Music Therapy Respiratory Protocol on Post-Covid Respiratory Symptoms

Since November 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus has rapidly spread to countries across the globe. The COVID-19 pandemic is particularly destructive in the U.S., where, as of August 2020, total case numbers exceed 4 million. Recovering patients of COVID-19 report symptoms of fatigue, dyspnea (shortness of breath) and other pulmonary dysfunctions. A study conducted in Italy, where cases spiked to around 40,000 in March, showed that 87.4% of participants with post-acute COVID-19 experience at least one persistent symptom. Pulmonologists facing the pressing challenge of creating a respiratory rehabilitation program for recovering COVID-19 patients can benefit from integrating music therapy into their practice. Music therapy is the use of music, vocal or instrumental, to therapeutically address the holistic needs of a patient. Several studies have been conducted in the past investigating the neurological and physiological benefits of music therapy for patients engaging in breath regulation, and with pulmonary dysfunction such as COPD or asthma. At Mount Sinai Beth Israel, the Louis Armstrong Department of Music Therapy provides the Music for AIR (Advances in Respiration) programs to treat patients with lung disease, especially those with COPD. Music for AIR has successfully used wind instrument playing, singing, and music visualization to ease common symptoms of COPD including dyspnea and fatigue. As dyspnea and fatigue are also common persisting symptoms of patients recovering from COVID-19, Music for AIR interventions and its possible therapeutic benefits for recovering COVID-19 patients warrant a necessary investigation. Currently, there is no research looking specifically at music therapy as a modality of treatment for physical symptoms in post-COVID-19 patients. Thus, the aim of this study is to utilized previously validated interventions to measure efficacy in this unique population.COVID-19 affects multiple organs and systems. Current evidence shows that effects of the virus have surpassed the acute phase, manifesting in residual symptoms in neurological, physical, cognitive, pulmonary, and emotional areas. Music therapy is a clinical therapy that has demonstrated efficacy in improving function in these aforementioned areas. The purpose of this study is to examine clinical music therapy - specifically including wind playing, singing, and music visualizations - to study the effects on physical function and quality of life for adults experiencing shortness of breath who have been previously diagnosed with (or presumptive) COVID-19. This study aims to test a previously studied music therapy protocol on patients presenting with continued respiratory symptoms following confirmed or presumed COVID-19 diagnosis over an 8-week period within a virtual group setting. Secondary aims to be monitored are any changes in depression, anxiety, fatigue, sleep, quality of life, and resilience.