ECU researcher studying affect of drumming on arthritis sufferers at Victoria Park event

AN ECU researcher is looking into how drumming can help people with arthritis.

Jan Warhurst said having a chronic condition was challenging and studies indicated that as physical and social limitations of a disease start to intrude on lifestyle, people were more likely to develop anxiety and depression.

“We know overall that people living with the likes of inflammatory arthritis are at much higher risk of anxiety and depression,” she said.

“With evidence that group drumming can help build emotional resilience and coping skills, we want to take a group of young adults with rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory arthritis through a Drumbeat program to see just how effective it is.”

Ms Warhurst will host a “taste” event at Drumbeat Quest in Victoria Park from 10am to noon on Saturday, February 9.

“The actual study will run over a number of sessions but this event will give you a chance to try group drumming and we are hoping some of you might go on to be part of the study, or will help spread the word to others once we start recruiting,” she said.

“After drumming we will have a short 10-minute break and then have an hour to share and discuss some possible adaptations you think might need to be made to the program.”