Screaming in the Choir .

Screaming in the Choir.

Andre Willers

5 Aug 2013

Synopsis :

Choir singing synchronises heartbeats in a healthy way . Does screaming in a rock concert do the same ?

Discussion :

1.The Choir effect :

See Appendix A

A form of entrainment .

 

2.Rock Concert :

Does the audience qualify as a Choir ?

Entrainment of brainwaves does take place . Breathing is patterned by screaming  and rhythmic movement .

3.What does this do to heart rhythms ?

Nobody knows . It seems nobody is interested in the effects of hundreds of thousands of people gathering together . (Real or Virtual)

 

4.A Rock Concert audience does qualify as a choir .

It does not matter if the beat is calming or frenetic . The point is to jolt the heartbeat into its normal , healthy chaotic variability .

Then calm the little beastie with a slower beat .

 

5. The method : A Poor man’s heart reprogramming .

5.1 Immerse into a heavy rock singalong .

5.2 Then , immerse into a light  , slow beat classical choir singalong .

5.3 Repeat .

 

“You got to rock the boat , me hearties !”

Andre

 

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Appendix A

http://www.frontiersin.org/Auditory_Cognitive_Neuroscience/10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00334/abstract

Music structure determines heart rate variability of singers

Björn Vickhoff¹*, Helge Malmgren², Rickard Åström³, Gunnar Nyberg⁴, Seth-Reino Ekström⁵, Mathias Engwall⁶, Johan Snygg⁷,Michael Nilsson^1,8 and Rebecka Jörnsten⁹

·         ¹Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden

·         ²Department of Philosophy, Linguistics and Theory of Science, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden

·         ³Professional Musician and Composer, Musikalliansen, Torslanda, Sweden

·         ⁴Department of Clinical Physiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden

·         ⁵Cantor, The Swedish Church, Sätila Parish, Hällingsjö, Sweden

·         ⁶Department of Cultural Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.

·         ⁷Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden

·         ⁸Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia

·         ⁹Mathematical Sciences, University of Gothenburg and Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden

Choir singing is known to promote wellbeing. One reason for this may be that singing demands a slower than normal respiration, which may in turn affect heart activity. Coupling of heart rate variability (HRV) to respiration is called Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). This coupling has a subjective as well as a biologically soothing effect, and it is beneficial for cardiovascular function. RSA is seen to be more marked during slow-paced breathing and at lower respiration rates (0.1 Hz and below). In this study, we investigate how singing, which is a form of guided breathing, affects HRV and RSA. The study comprises a group of healthy 18 year olds of mixed gender. The subjects are asked to; (1) hum a single tone and breathe whenever they need to; (2) sing a hymn with free, unguided breathing; and (3) sing a slow mantra and breathe solely between phrases. Heart rate (HR) is measured continuously during the study. The study design makes it possible to compare above three levels of song structure. In a separate case study, we examine five individuals performing singing tasks (1–3). We collect data with more advanced equipment, simultaneously recording HR, respiration, skin conductance and finger temperature. We show how song structure, respiration and HR are connected. Unison singing of regular song structures makes the hearts of the singers accelerate and decelerate simultaneously. Implications concerning the effect on wellbeing and health are discussed as well as the question how this inner entrainment may affect perception and behavior.

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