Singing and facial expression in Parkinson's
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Musical theatre as a creative health intervention programme for improving facial expression mobility in Parkinson’s Disease: A pilot study
IRAS ID
361834
Contact name
Sheeba Mason
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
RD25061, University of Suffolk R&D number
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 30 days
Research summary
92% of people living with Parkinson's (PLwP) have reduced facial expressivity, referred to as hypomimia, or "poker face". The symptom can have devastating effects on the social and emotional wellbeing of PLwP and their loved ones. Despite this, there are little-to-no rehabilitation tools for the face. Anecdotal evidence suggests that theatrical singing, because it is exaggerated and exertive, could exercise and promote facial mobility. The present project is a formal exploration of this anecdotal evidence.
Our proof-of-concept pilot study that will run alongside a pre-existing 12-week singing programme, hosted by East Suffolk Skylarks. Participants will be: 20 PLwP participating in the singing programme, 20 PLwP who will not participate in the singing programme. Opportunity sampling will be used to recruit participants, and participants will decide for themselves whether they take part as Singing or Control participants. Most participants are likely to be Suffolk-based. Eligibility criteria include capacity to consent, and no history of Stroke or Bell’s palsy, Alzheimer’s and/or dementia.
For both participant groups, we will measure facial expression capability at 3 timepoints: before, during and after programme engagement (equivalent timepoints controls). Measurement methods include (1) brief, individual “headshot” videos of participants’ faces, rated by both independent clinician and automated computer-based systems, and (2) self-reported feelings of facial flexibility, sensation, and control. This will help us to see whether regular singing exercises can improve (1) actual facial expressivity and mobility, according to clinician and computer assessors, and (2) participants’ self-perception of facial expressivity and mobility.The project is a collaborative research project conducted by University of Suffolk, University of Essex, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, and Britten Pears Arts. The research is funded by the Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity. It is a proof-of-concept study- findings will form the basis of future funding applications and experimental design
REC name
East of England - Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/EE/0241
Date of REC Opinion
29 Oct 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion