Singing Lessons for Respiratory Health: A Literature Review

Publication date: Available online 29 April 2017
Source:Journal of Voice
Author(s): Rachel B. Goldenberg
ObjectiveSeveral studies have explored the role of music and singing as a treatment for respiratory symptoms. The objective of this paper was to review the current body of literature in regard to the use of singing as both a physiological and a psychological therapy for respiratory disease and assess the role the singing teacher might play in this treatment.Study DesignThis is a literature review, discussion of results and directions for further research.MethodMultiple databases were searched using keywords such as “respiratory,” “physiotherapy,” and “pulmonary” in conjunction with “singing.” Studies that met selection criteria were summarized and analyzed.ResultsSeventeen studies pertaining to multiple conditions including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, cystic fibrosis, cancer, Parkinson disease, quadriplegia, and multiple sclerosis were analyzed. All studies reported trends of positive physical and/or quality of life outcomes after a series of singing lessons, regardless of statistical significance. Several noted improvements in maximum expiratory pressure and overall breathing technique. Many studies included open-ended interviews revealing participants' perception of singing as an effective therapy that was fun, improved mood, taught breathing and breath control, was a good exercise for the lungs, and had improved physical functioning.ConclusionsSinging can be used as an adjunctive treatment for respiratory disease, with the best results occurring after long-term study. Group lessons and a strong teacher relationship feed the need for social interaction and support, which can facilitate treatment compliance. Further research is warranted.



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Two cell populations participate in clearance of damaged hair cells from the sensory epithelia of the inner ear

Publication date: Available online 28 April 2017
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Keiko Hirose, Mark A. Rutherford, Mark E. Warchol
The cochlea and the vestibular organs are populated by resident macrophages, but their role in inner ear maintenance and pathology is not entirely clear. Resident macrophages in other organs are responsible for phagocytosis of injured or infected cells, and it is likely that macrophages in the inner ear serve a similar role. Hair cell injury causes macrophages to accumulate within proximity of damaged regions of the inner ear, either by exiting the vasculature and entering the labyrinth or by the resident macrophages reorganizing themselves through local movement to the areas of injury. Direct evidence for macrophage engulfment of apoptotic hair cells has been observed in several conditions. Here, we review evidence for phagocytosis of damaged hair cells in the sensory epithelium by tissue macrophages in the published literature and in some new experiments that are presented here as original work. Several studies also suggest that macrophages are not the only phaogocytic cells in the inner ear, but that supporting cells of the sensory epithelium also play an important role in debris clearance. We describe the various ways in which the sensory epithelia of the inner ear are adapted to eliminate damaged and dying cells. A collaborative effort between resident and migratory macrophages as well as neighboring supporting cells results in the rapid and efficient clearance of cellular debris, even in cases where hair cell loss is rapid and complete.



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Two cell populations participate in clearance of damaged hair cells from the sensory epithelia of the inner ear

Publication date: Available online 28 April 2017
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Keiko Hirose, Mark A. Rutherford, Mark E. Warchol
The cochlea and the vestibular organs are populated by resident macrophages, but their role in inner ear maintenance and pathology is not entirely clear. Resident macrophages in other organs are responsible for phagocytosis of injured or infected cells, and it is likely that macrophages in the inner ear serve a similar role. Hair cell injury causes macrophages to accumulate within proximity of damaged regions of the inner ear, either by exiting the vasculature and entering the labyrinth or by the resident macrophages reorganizing themselves through local movement to the areas of injury. Direct evidence for macrophage engulfment of apoptotic hair cells has been observed in several conditions. Here, we review evidence for phagocytosis of damaged hair cells in the sensory epithelium by tissue macrophages in the published literature and in some new experiments that are presented here as original work. Several studies also suggest that macrophages are not the only phaogocytic cells in the inner ear, but that supporting cells of the sensory epithelium also play an important role in debris clearance. We describe the various ways in which the sensory epithelia of the inner ear are adapted to eliminate damaged and dying cells. A collaborative effort between resident and migratory macrophages as well as neighboring supporting cells results in the rapid and efficient clearance of cellular debris, even in cases where hair cell loss is rapid and complete.



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Two cell populations participate in clearance of damaged hair cells from the sensory epithelia of the inner ear

Publication date: Available online 28 April 2017
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Keiko Hirose, Mark A. Rutherford, Mark E. Warchol
The cochlea and the vestibular organs are populated by resident macrophages, but their role in inner ear maintenance and pathology is not entirely clear. Resident macrophages in other organs are responsible for phagocytosis of injured or infected cells, and it is likely that macrophages in the inner ear serve a similar role. Hair cell injury causes macrophages to accumulate within proximity of damaged regions of the inner ear, either by exiting the vasculature and entering the labyrinth or by the resident macrophages reorganizing themselves through local movement to the areas of injury. Direct evidence for macrophage engulfment of apoptotic hair cells has been observed in several conditions. Here, we review evidence for phagocytosis of damaged hair cells in the sensory epithelium by tissue macrophages in the published literature and in some new experiments that are presented here as original work. Several studies also suggest that macrophages are not the only phaogocytic cells in the inner ear, but that supporting cells of the sensory epithelium also play an important role in debris clearance. We describe the various ways in which the sensory epithelia of the inner ear are adapted to eliminate damaged and dying cells. A collaborative effort between resident and migratory macrophages as well as neighboring supporting cells results in the rapid and efficient clearance of cellular debris, even in cases where hair cell loss is rapid and complete.



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Two cell populations participate in clearance of damaged hair cells from the sensory epithelia of the inner ear

Publication date: Available online 28 April 2017
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Keiko Hirose, Mark A. Rutherford, Mark E. Warchol
The cochlea and the vestibular organs are populated by resident macrophages, but their role in inner ear maintenance and pathology is not entirely clear. Resident macrophages in other organs are responsible for phagocytosis of injured or infected cells, and it is likely that macrophages in the inner ear serve a similar role. Hair cell injury causes macrophages to accumulate within proximity of damaged regions of the inner ear, either by exiting the vasculature and entering the labyrinth or by the resident macrophages reorganizing themselves through local movement to the areas of injury. Direct evidence for macrophage engulfment of apoptotic hair cells has been observed in several conditions. Here, we review evidence for phagocytosis of damaged hair cells in the sensory epithelium by tissue macrophages in the published literature and in some new experiments that are presented here as original work. Several studies also suggest that macrophages are not the only phaogocytic cells in the inner ear, but that supporting cells of the sensory epithelium also play an important role in debris clearance. We describe the various ways in which the sensory epithelia of the inner ear are adapted to eliminate damaged and dying cells. A collaborative effort between resident and migratory macrophages as well as neighboring supporting cells results in the rapid and efficient clearance of cellular debris, even in cases where hair cell loss is rapid and complete.



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Two cell populations participate in clearance of damaged hair cells from the sensory epithelia of the inner ear

Publication date: Available online 28 April 2017
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Keiko Hirose, Mark A. Rutherford, Mark E. Warchol
The cochlea and the vestibular organs are populated by resident macrophages, but their role in inner ear maintenance and pathology is not entirely clear. Resident macrophages in other organs are responsible for phagocytosis of injured or infected cells, and it is likely that macrophages in the inner ear serve a similar role. Hair cell injury causes macrophages to accumulate within proximity of damaged regions of the inner ear, either by exiting the vasculature and entering the labyrinth or by the resident macrophages reorganizing themselves through local movement to the areas of injury. Direct evidence for macrophage engulfment of apoptotic hair cells has been observed in several conditions. Here, we review evidence for phagocytosis of damaged hair cells in the sensory epithelium by tissue macrophages in the published literature and in some new experiments that are presented here as original work. Several studies also suggest that macrophages are not the only phaogocytic cells in the inner ear, but that supporting cells of the sensory epithelium also play an important role in debris clearance. We describe the various ways in which the sensory epithelia of the inner ear are adapted to eliminate damaged and dying cells. A collaborative effort between resident and migratory macrophages as well as neighboring supporting cells results in the rapid and efficient clearance of cellular debris, even in cases where hair cell loss is rapid and complete.



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Altered spatiotemporal characteristics of gait in older adults with chronic low back pain

Publication date: June 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 55
Author(s): Gregory E Hicks, J. Megan Sions, Peter C. Coyle, Ryan T. Pohlig
Previous studies in older adults have identified that chronic low back pain (CLBP) is associated with slower gait speed. Given that slower gait speed is a predictor of greater morbidity and mortality among older adults, it is important to understand the underlying spatiotemporal characteristics of gait among older adults with CLBP. The purposes of this study were to determine (1) if there are differences in spatiotemporal parameters of gait between older adults with and without CLBP during self-selected and fast walking and (2) whether any of these gait characteristics are correlated with performance of a challenging walking task, e.g. stair negotiation. Spatiotemporal characteristics of gait were evaluated using a computerized walkway in 54 community-dwelling older adults with CLBP and 54 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Older adults with CLBP walked slower than their pain-free peers during self-selected and fast walking. After controlling for body mass index and gait speed, step width was significantly greater in the CLBP group during the fast walking condition. Within the CLBP group, step width and double limb support time are significantly correlated with stair ascent/descent times. From a clinical perspective, these gait characteristics, which may be indicative of balance performance, may need to be addressed to improve overall gait speed, as well as stair-climbing performance. Future longitudinal studies confirming our findings are needed, as well as investigations focused on developing interventions to improve gait speed and decrease subsequent risk of mobility decline.



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Wearable lower limb haptic feedback device for retraining Foot Progression Angle and Step Width

Publication date: June 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 55
Author(s): Daniel K.Y. Chen, Markus Haller, Thor F. Besier
Technological developments in the last decade have enabled the integration of sensors and actuators into wearable devices for gait interventions to slow the progression of knee osteoarthritis. Wearable haptic gait retraining is one area which has seen promising results for informing modifications of gait parameters for reducing knee adduction moments (KAM) during walking. Two gait parameters which can be easily adjusted to influence KAM include foot progression angle (FPA) and step width (SW). The purpose of this study was to: (1) determine whether a custom haptic ankle bracelet using binary vibrotactile and tactile apparent movement feedback could retrain ten healthy subjects to walk with a modified FPA and SW within a short training session with 80% accuracy; and (2) whether there was a difference between the number of steps required to complete the retraining task based on the two feedback schemes being tested. Retraining multiple gait parameters using a single device was a novel aspect of this work and we found that nine out of ten subjects were able to retrain their gait using the ankle bracelet in both feedback schemes to within 2° and 39mm of target FPA and SW respectively. We also found no difference in the number steps required for completion between the two schemes (p>0.05). Future research will investigate the device performance with patients with knee osteoarthritis and the effective change in KAM by modifying a combination of FPA and SW.



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Altered spatiotemporal characteristics of gait in older adults with chronic low back pain

Publication date: June 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 55
Author(s): Gregory E Hicks, J. Megan Sions, Peter C. Coyle, Ryan T. Pohlig
Previous studies in older adults have identified that chronic low back pain (CLBP) is associated with slower gait speed. Given that slower gait speed is a predictor of greater morbidity and mortality among older adults, it is important to understand the underlying spatiotemporal characteristics of gait among older adults with CLBP. The purposes of this study were to determine (1) if there are differences in spatiotemporal parameters of gait between older adults with and without CLBP during self-selected and fast walking and (2) whether any of these gait characteristics are correlated with performance of a challenging walking task, e.g. stair negotiation. Spatiotemporal characteristics of gait were evaluated using a computerized walkway in 54 community-dwelling older adults with CLBP and 54 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Older adults with CLBP walked slower than their pain-free peers during self-selected and fast walking. After controlling for body mass index and gait speed, step width was significantly greater in the CLBP group during the fast walking condition. Within the CLBP group, step width and double limb support time are significantly correlated with stair ascent/descent times. From a clinical perspective, these gait characteristics, which may be indicative of balance performance, may need to be addressed to improve overall gait speed, as well as stair-climbing performance. Future longitudinal studies confirming our findings are needed, as well as investigations focused on developing interventions to improve gait speed and decrease subsequent risk of mobility decline.



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Wearable lower limb haptic feedback device for retraining Foot Progression Angle and Step Width

Publication date: June 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 55
Author(s): Daniel K.Y. Chen, Markus Haller, Thor F. Besier
Technological developments in the last decade have enabled the integration of sensors and actuators into wearable devices for gait interventions to slow the progression of knee osteoarthritis. Wearable haptic gait retraining is one area which has seen promising results for informing modifications of gait parameters for reducing knee adduction moments (KAM) during walking. Two gait parameters which can be easily adjusted to influence KAM include foot progression angle (FPA) and step width (SW). The purpose of this study was to: (1) determine whether a custom haptic ankle bracelet using binary vibrotactile and tactile apparent movement feedback could retrain ten healthy subjects to walk with a modified FPA and SW within a short training session with 80% accuracy; and (2) whether there was a difference between the number of steps required to complete the retraining task based on the two feedback schemes being tested. Retraining multiple gait parameters using a single device was a novel aspect of this work and we found that nine out of ten subjects were able to retrain their gait using the ankle bracelet in both feedback schemes to within 2° and 39mm of target FPA and SW respectively. We also found no difference in the number steps required for completion between the two schemes (p>0.05). Future research will investigate the device performance with patients with knee osteoarthritis and the effective change in KAM by modifying a combination of FPA and SW.



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Altered spatiotemporal characteristics of gait in older adults with chronic low back pain

Publication date: June 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 55
Author(s): Gregory E Hicks, J. Megan Sions, Peter C. Coyle, Ryan T. Pohlig
Previous studies in older adults have identified that chronic low back pain (CLBP) is associated with slower gait speed. Given that slower gait speed is a predictor of greater morbidity and mortality among older adults, it is important to understand the underlying spatiotemporal characteristics of gait among older adults with CLBP. The purposes of this study were to determine (1) if there are differences in spatiotemporal parameters of gait between older adults with and without CLBP during self-selected and fast walking and (2) whether any of these gait characteristics are correlated with performance of a challenging walking task, e.g. stair negotiation. Spatiotemporal characteristics of gait were evaluated using a computerized walkway in 54 community-dwelling older adults with CLBP and 54 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Older adults with CLBP walked slower than their pain-free peers during self-selected and fast walking. After controlling for body mass index and gait speed, step width was significantly greater in the CLBP group during the fast walking condition. Within the CLBP group, step width and double limb support time are significantly correlated with stair ascent/descent times. From a clinical perspective, these gait characteristics, which may be indicative of balance performance, may need to be addressed to improve overall gait speed, as well as stair-climbing performance. Future longitudinal studies confirming our findings are needed, as well as investigations focused on developing interventions to improve gait speed and decrease subsequent risk of mobility decline.



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via IFTTT

Wearable lower limb haptic feedback device for retraining Foot Progression Angle and Step Width

Publication date: June 2017
Source:Gait & Posture, Volume 55
Author(s): Daniel K.Y. Chen, Markus Haller, Thor F. Besier
Technological developments in the last decade have enabled the integration of sensors and actuators into wearable devices for gait interventions to slow the progression of knee osteoarthritis. Wearable haptic gait retraining is one area which has seen promising results for informing modifications of gait parameters for reducing knee adduction moments (KAM) during walking. Two gait parameters which can be easily adjusted to influence KAM include foot progression angle (FPA) and step width (SW). The purpose of this study was to: (1) determine whether a custom haptic ankle bracelet using binary vibrotactile and tactile apparent movement feedback could retrain ten healthy subjects to walk with a modified FPA and SW within a short training session with 80% accuracy; and (2) whether there was a difference between the number of steps required to complete the retraining task based on the two feedback schemes being tested. Retraining multiple gait parameters using a single device was a novel aspect of this work and we found that nine out of ten subjects were able to retrain their gait using the ankle bracelet in both feedback schemes to within 2° and 39mm of target FPA and SW respectively. We also found no difference in the number steps required for completion between the two schemes (p>0.05). Future research will investigate the device performance with patients with knee osteoarthritis and the effective change in KAM by modifying a combination of FPA and SW.



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Cochlear Celebrates Better Hearing and Speech Month

Cochlear (http://ift.tt/2oInAXh) has launched its annual Million Ear Challenge to raise hearing loss awareness in May, which is also Better Hearing and Speech Month. The company is inviting people to share what they would miss if they woke up in a world without sound through social media with the hashtag #MillionEar. Tony Manna, president of Cochlear Americas, said, "With hearing loss becoming more common as younger people lose hearing due to noise exposure and as baby boomers age, efforts like our #MillionEar Challenge are even more important to raising awareness."

The goal of the initiative is to reach 2 million people in 31 days. When that target is met, Cochlear will celebrate by donating to Hearing Charities of America (HCOA) and the Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundation (CIAF) to help support people with hearing loss. Steven Murphy, executive director of HOCA, said many people live in isolation because of hearing loss, which separates them from people around them and negatively affects their quality of life. "In a majority of cases, technology can solve this problem," Murphy said. "The support from Cochlear's #MillionEar Challenge will help Hearing Charities increase the number of people who receive life-changing hearing assistive devices.

​Cochlear will announce their charitable donation on June 1 through social media. Additional activities surrounding the Million Ear Challenge can be found on the campaign's website (http://ift.tt/2oV6DVt). 

Published: 4/28/2017 1:23:00 PM

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Cochlear Celebrates Better Hearing and Speech Month

Cochlear (http://ift.tt/2oInAXh) has launched its annual Million Ear Challenge to raise hearing loss awareness in May, which is also Better Hearing and Speech Month. The company is inviting people to share what they would miss if they woke up in a world without sound through social media with the hashtag #MillionEar. Tony Manna, president of Cochlear Americas, said, "With hearing loss becoming more common as younger people lose hearing due to noise exposure and as baby boomers age, efforts like our #MillionEar Challenge are even more important to raising awareness."

The goal of the initiative is to reach 2 million people in 31 days. When that target is met, Cochlear will celebrate by donating to Hearing Charities of America (HCOA) and the Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundation (CIAF) to help support people with hearing loss. Steven Murphy, executive director of HOCA, said many people live in isolation because of hearing loss, which separates them from people around them and negatively affects their quality of life. "In a majority of cases, technology can solve this problem," Murphy said. "The support from Cochlear's #MillionEar Challenge will help Hearing Charities increase the number of people who receive life-changing hearing assistive devices.

​Cochlear will announce their charitable donation on June 1 through social media. Additional activities surrounding the Million Ear Challenge can be found on the campaign's website (http://ift.tt/2oV6DVt). 

Published: 4/28/2017 1:23:00 PM

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2oI6LeZ
via IFTTT

Cochlear Celebrates Better Hearing and Speech Month

Cochlear (http://ift.tt/2oInAXh) has launched its annual Million Ear Challenge to raise hearing loss awareness in May, which is also Better Hearing and Speech Month. The company is inviting people to share what they would miss if they woke up in a world without sound through social media with the hashtag #MillionEar. Tony Manna, president of Cochlear Americas, said, "With hearing loss becoming more common as younger people lose hearing due to noise exposure and as baby boomers age, efforts like our #MillionEar Challenge are even more important to raising awareness."

The goal of the initiative is to reach 2 million people in 31 days. When that target is met, Cochlear will celebrate by donating to Hearing Charities of America (HCOA) and the Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundation (CIAF) to help support people with hearing loss. Steven Murphy, executive director of HOCA, said many people live in isolation because of hearing loss, which separates them from people around them and negatively affects their quality of life. "In a majority of cases, technology can solve this problem," Murphy said. "The support from Cochlear's #MillionEar Challenge will help Hearing Charities increase the number of people who receive life-changing hearing assistive devices.

​Cochlear will announce their charitable donation on June 1 through social media. Additional activities surrounding the Million Ear Challenge can be found on the campaign's website (http://ift.tt/2oV6DVt). 

Published: 4/28/2017 1:23:00 PM

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