Choir Program Boosts Breathing in Heart Disease Kids
An eight-week singing intervention showed gains in breathing measures and wellbeing for children with single-ventricle heart disease in a pilot study.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Asthma
A pilot study of 14 pediatric patients aged 8 to 16 found that an eight-week choir program improved select breathing parameters and self-reported wellbeing and depression scores. The study was published as a feasibility study in Pediatric Cardiology.
Why it matters
Children with single-ventricle heart disease often face long-term respiratory and psychosocial challenges after staged surgeries, and this feasibility work suggests a structured singing program may offer a supportive complement. Residents in the Chicago area may find the approach relevant given that its developers include Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.
The pilot enrolled 14 patients aged 8 to 16 in an eight-week program combining 30 minutes of weekly individual voice instruction with 60 minutes of group rehearsal. Improvements were reported in select breathing measures and self-reported wellbeing, but the extraction does not include a control group or significance testing.
The players
Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
A pediatric hospital in Chicago that co-developed the choir intervention and is a leading center for treating children with congenital heart disease.
Northwestern University Bienen School of Music
The music school of Northwestern University that co-developed the singing curriculum used in the intervention.
The details
The intervention combined in-person and online singing and breathing instruction, including continuous access to a digital platform with guided breathing and singing exercises. Parent reports reflected gains in school functioning and reductions in child anxiety and depression, while clinical evaluations found improvements in some breathing parameters.
Timeline
Eight-week duration of the pilot intervention program.
A non-study choir is starting this fall.
Investigators plan to launch a multicenter study in 2027.
Health Landscape
Children with single-ventricle heart disease typically undergo three staged surgical procedures, concluding with the Fontan procedure around ages 3 to 4. This pilot extends supportive care beyond that surgical pathway by testing a structured singing program for respiratory and psychosocial outcomes.
Families of children with single-ventricle heart disease may consider whether structured singing programs could complement existing medical care, though the intervention is still at the feasibility stage. Any participation would depend on availability, since a non-study choir is starting this fall and the larger study is not yet underway.
The takeaway
Structured group singing combined with breathing practice showed encouraging early signals for children with complex heart conditions, and larger trials will be needed to confirm benefits. Families interested in similar programs should discuss options with their child's cardiology team.
What happens next
Investigators plan to launch a larger multicenter study of the choir intervention in 2027, and a non-study choir is starting this fall.
Further reading
For more on respiratory care, explore Asthma coverage on Wisevoter.
