SINGING could be used to help cystic fibrosis patients after a Glasgow study found lung health improved by 13% after lessons.

Scottish Opera has been working with patients from the respiratory ward at Gartnavel General Hospital to explore whether classical sing-ing techniques, includ-ing breath control and vocal exercises, could replicate the effects of conventional physiotherapy.

After 12 weeks, the FEV1 - the maximum amount of air that can be forced out in one second and a general indicator of health - rose by up to 13% in patients.

Respiratory experts at Gartnavel Hospital said, "the best drug" costing more than £100,000 might expect to give a 10% increase.

Although the team was unable to record conclusive findings because just 14 patients took part, doctors are keen to launch a bigger study.

Adults with cystic fibrosis must carry out daily physiotherapy which helps prevent thick, sticky mucus in the lungs from block-ing the airways. The exercises can also reduce infection and prevent lung damage.

Doctors were partic-ularly keen to see if singing could help clear mucus from the lungs and increase lung function.

Patients were given one-to-one singing lessons in hospital by Scottish Opera sopr-ano and voice coach Marie Claire Breen.

The number of breaths it took patients to clear their lungs also fell and the amount of air taken in and breathed out -increased by 8.2%.

As patients with cystic fibrosis cannot be in contact with each other because of the risk of passing on potentially life-threatening infections, they took part in duets on Skype, singing music composed by Scottish Opera comp-oser in residence, Gareth Williams.

Yvonne Hughes, 40, from Glasgow, who took part, said: "Throughout the study I didn't require addit-ional interventions such as antibiotics over the course. The project though, was of benefit in more ways than just physical.

"Being taught to sing by a soprano from Scottish Opera was an uplifting experience. I urge anyone to give singing a go, whether in poor health or not."

Anders Gibson, 34, of Glasgow, said: "It was a great oppor-tunity to participate and collaborate with other people with cystic fibrosis, an opp-ortunity not normally possible due to strict cross infection rules."

There are 242 adult patients with cystic fibrosis in the West of Scotland. The average life expectancy is 40.

Dr Gordon Mac-Gregor, a consultant in Respiratory and Cystic Fibrosis Medicine at Gartnavel Hospital, said: "Patients seemed happier and reported increased confidence.

"This (research) is a signal but it's not quite there yet."

caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk