People living with Parkinson’s who have been a part of drum lessons have seen a “tangible difference” in their mobility, according to a drumming school.
A 12-week comprehensive research project saw those with the disease take part in sessions in Frampton Mansell near Stroud, Gloucestershire.
The initiative is a collaboration between lecturers at Hartpury and Wolverhampton universities and the Cirencester branch of Parkinson’s UK and Inspire Drums. Tutor Phil Jones said: “We’re not trying to make amazing drummers but what we’re trying to do is test and challenge.”
Richard Alcock has had Parkinson’s for around 20 years. “The main problem is mobility and moving around,” Mr Alcock said. “I’ve noticed a slight improvement in mobility.”
Nick Foster has had Parkinson’s for seven years and his wife Jenny said she thought he had improved since taking the drumming lessons.
“I think when he’s sitting at the drums, I have noticed his tremor sometimes calms down a bit,” she said. “Certainly he’s enjoyed the social aspect of it.”
Mr Jones said it’s all about “small wins”. “Things like brushing teeth, walking around, less shaking and also speech – all sorts of things that we believe if you play a drum kit… it does stretch the mind a bit,” Mr Jones added.
“There’s a tangible difference and progression we can demonstrate.” The participants played on electric drum kits using headphones to hear only the voice of the tutor and themselves playing.
Over the last decade, various research projects have shown how drumming has been successfully used to improve social functioning and treat mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, addictions, aggression, and PTSD symptoms. However, recent research involving the holistic approach towards the brain-mind-body connection is taking the possibilities of drumming to a whole new level.
Playing the drums requires you to focus on one thing for an extended period of time. This kind of mental focus is necessary and gets strengthened the more you practice. It is also very a very physical activity since you have to coordinate multiple limbs in rhythm. This takes an enormous amount of concentration. That’s why it is no surprise that drumming is often recommended as a therapeutic remedy for people suffering from ADHD and other learning disabilities.