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Journal of Voice : Official Journal of... Jan 2022Phonation type, a phonatory dimension ranging from hypofunctional/breathy to hyperfunctional/pressed, is important both from a clinical and acoustical point of view;...
Phonation type, a phonatory dimension ranging from hypofunctional/breathy to hyperfunctional/pressed, is important both from a clinical and acoustical point of view; hyperfunctional voice can lead to voice disorders and hypofunctional voice reduces text intelligibility. Five male singers sang diminuendo sequences of the syllable /pae/ and three of them also produced speech or singing samples with different phonation types which were rated for phonatory pressedness by a panel of voice experts. The sequences were analyzed by inverse filtering and the associated subglottal pressures were estimated as the oral pressures during the /p/ occlusion. The results showed strong quasi-linear correlations between the peak-to-peak amplitude of the flow glottogram (henceforth pulse amplitude) and mean subglottal pressure, mean airflow, and the level difference between the first and second voice source partials L-L. These correlations were found to vary systematically with phonation type. Regardless of phonation type, the correlation between the pulse amplitude and the amplitude of the voice source fundamental frequency was very close to 1.0. The level difference between the first and second spectrum partials L-L in narrow-band long-term-average spectra of speech and singing was found to vary systematically with phonation type in a manner related to voice experts' ratings of perceived degree of pressedness. The findings support the assumption that the combination of subglottal pressure and level of the voice source fundamental is useful for an objective measure of phonation type.
Topics: Glottis; Humans; Male; Phonation; Singing; Speech; Voice
PubMed: 32402665
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2020.03.018 -
Folia Phoniatrica Et Logopaedica :... 2020Although water resistance therapy (WRT) has been widely used in voice training, no data are supporting the effectiveness of WRT as vocal warm-up for singers. The present... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND/AIMS
Although water resistance therapy (WRT) has been widely used in voice training, no data are supporting the effectiveness of WRT as vocal warm-up for singers. The present study aimed to determine the effects of WRT as a vocal warm-up method in contemporary commercial music (CCM) singers.
METHODS
Twenty-two CCM singers were randomly assigned to one of two types of 15-min vocal warm-up: open vocal tract (OVT) warm-up and WRT. Self-perceived resonant voice quality and aerodynamic, electroglottographic, and acoustic measures were assessed before, immediately after vocal warm-up, and after 40 min of vocal loading.
RESULTS
Significant results were found immediately after vocal warm-up. Subglottic pressure and inspiratory airflow duration decreased in both groups. SPL decreased for the OVT group. No changes in SPL were found for the WRT group. Significant results were observed after vocal loading. Subglottic pressure and inspiratory airflow duration decreased for both groups after vocal loading. Expiratory airflow duration and electroglottographic contact quotient decreased for the OVT group.
CONCLUSION
Some objective data suggest that the WRT method is more effective as vocal warm-up than OVT exercises. Since outcomes in self-perceived resonant voice quality for both methods were similar but physiological effects were different, vocal warm-up strategies might produce a placebo effect.
Topics: Humans; Music; Phonation; Singing; Voice Training; Water
PubMed: 31060037
DOI: 10.1159/000494722 -
Journal of Speech, Language, and... Jan 2023Vocal fold asymmetry creates irregular entrainments and modulations in voice, which may lead to rough perceptual quality. The presence of asymmetry can also cause...
PURPOSE
Vocal fold asymmetry creates irregular entrainments and modulations in voice, which may lead to rough perceptual quality. The presence of asymmetry can also cause mid-phonation bifurcations where a small change in the phonatory system causes a drastic change in vibration pattern, resulting in transitions in and out of rough voice. This study surveys sustained phonation recordings of speakers with the diagnoses of vocal fold polyp or unilateral vocal fold paralysis to investigate the resulting voice patterns.
METHOD
This retrospective study observed 71 sustained phonation recordings from 48 patients. Segments with distinctive signal patterns were identified within each recording with narrowband spectrogram and computer-assisted analysis of spectral peaks.
RESULTS
Phonation segmentation yielded 240 segments across all the recordings. Five voice patterns were recognized: (regularly or irregularly) entrained, modulated, uncoupled, unstable, and pulsed. Thirty-six patients (75%) exhibited irregular patterns. No single irregular pattern lasted for the entire phonation and was always accompanied by at least one mid-phonation bifurcation. Durations of the irregular segments ( = 0.4 s) were significantly shorter than the segments with the regular pattern ( = 1.4 s).
CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that vocal fold pathology frequently introduces dynamic vibratory patterns that affect both the acoustic signals and perceptions. Due to these abnormalities, it is important for clinical voice assessment protocols, both perceptual and acoustic, to account for these possible bifurcations, irregular signal patterns, and their tendencies.
Topics: Humans; Vocal Cords; Retrospective Studies; Voice; Phonation; Acoustics; Vibration
PubMed: 36472934
DOI: 10.1044/2022_JSLHR-21-00499 -
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of... Nov 2023The present study aimed to investigate the Immediate Effects of Semi-occluded Vocal Tract Exercises (SOVTEs) as a vocal warm-up on the Electrical Activity of Extrinsic...
OBJECTIVE
The present study aimed to investigate the Immediate Effects of Semi-occluded Vocal Tract Exercises (SOVTEs) as a vocal warm-up on the Electrical Activity of Extrinsic Laryngeal Muscles and acoustic parameters of voice in singers.
STUDY DESIGN
This study used a pre-/post-interventional (quasi-experimental) design and a simple non-random sampling method.
SETTING
Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Center.
METHOD
Surface electromyography of the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscle areas and acoustic measurements were assessed before and immediately after performing three SOVTEs: lip-trill, humming, and straw phonation for 20 minutes as a vocal warm-up in eleven healthy male singers with an average age of 26.5 ± 4.2.
RESULTS
After performing the vocal warm-up, root mean square in channels two and three (left and right infrahyoid muscle areas) in all vocal tasks, including /i/, /u/, and counting from 20 to 30 was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The acoustic parameters, F1, and F1-F0 difference were significantly decreased (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
The results suggest that after performing SOVTEs as a vocal warm-up, the electrical activity of the extrinsic laryngeal muscles is reduced. The acoustic analysis also demonstrated a decrease in F0, F1, and F1-F0 variables. Therefore, it seems that the results of acoustic and electromyographic assessments are in line and it is likely that SOVTEs through the vocal economy lead to a reduction in the load applied to the phonatory system.
Topics: Male; Humans; Young Adult; Adult; Singing; Voice Quality; Voice; Phonation; Acoustics; Voice Training
PubMed: 34256979
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2021.05.014 -
Otolaryngologia Polska = the Polish... Apr 2019The aim of the study was to assess the acoustic and capacity analysis of singing voice using DiagnoScope Specialist software.
INTRODUCTION
The aim of the study was to assess the acoustic and capacity analysis of singing voice using DiagnoScope Specialist software.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The study was conducted in 120 adults subjects, including 74 women and 46 men aged 21-5, were divided into 3 groups: I -40 subjects (treatment group) - professional vocalists, II- 40 subjects (treatment group) - semiprofessional vocalists, III- 40 subjects (control group) - students of The Military Medical Faculty at Medical University of Lodz - nonsingers. The research methodology included: primary medical history, physical examination (otolaryngological), vdeolaryngoscopic examination, the GRBAS scale for subjective voice evaluation, diagnostic voice acoustic and capacity analysis using DiagnoScope Specialist software, survey on lifestyle patterns which may affect voice quality.
RESULTS
Average value of the fundamental frequency F0 was the highest in professional vocalists' group was 316,46 Hz in women and 165,09 Hz in men, in semiprofessional vocalists' group was accordingly 260,50 Hz and 149,26 Hz, in nonsingers' group was accordingly 261,23 Hz and 159, 27 Hz. Average value of Jitter parameter in professional vocalists' group was 0,30% in women and 0,54% in men, in semiprofessional vocalists' group was accordingly 0,31% and 0,57%, in nonsingers' group was 0,31% and 0,56%. Average value of Shimmer parameter in professional vocalists' group was 3,27% in women and 3,75% in men, in semiprofessional vocalists' group was accordingly 3,46% and 3,77%, in nonsingers' group was 4,33% and 4,39%. Average value of NHR index in professional vocalists' group was 3,28% in women and 6,00% in men, in semiprofessional vocalists' group was accordingly 3,23% and 6,72%, in nonsingers' group was 3,89% and 6,13%.
CONCLUSIONS
Values of the parameters which are measuring the character of the voice, relative period-to-period fundamental frequency perturbations, relative period-to-period amplitude perturbation and level of buzzing together with other methods have diagnostic and predictive value in early detection of voice disorders. Capacity analysis in singing voice showed very low values of the following parameters: phonation time, true phonation time, no phonation coefficient, voice efficiency coefficient and voice capacity. Key words: The acoustic and capacity analysis, singing voice.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Phonation; Singing; Speech Acoustics; Speech Production Measurement; Voice; Voice Quality
PubMed: 31249149
DOI: 10.5604/01.3001.0013.1534 -
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of... Mar 2021Obtain aerodynamic vocal measurements of dysphonic female teachers from two groups, before and after a brief and intensive short-term voice therapy using the finger... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
Obtain aerodynamic vocal measurements of dysphonic female teachers from two groups, before and after a brief and intensive short-term voice therapy using the finger kazoo technique, compare to the respective control groups, and compare between the two study groups.
STUDY DESIGN
A randomized blind controlled clinical trial.
METHODS
A randomized blind controlled clinical trial. Measurements of maximum phonation time and sound pressure level (dB SPL) were measured before and after intensive short-term vocal therapy in 24 teachers with and without structural laryngeal disorders and 17 controls with and without structural laryngeal disorder.
RESULTS
There was significant reduction in the maximum phonation time of /e/ for the group with no structural laryngeal disorder, and a significant reduction of the maximum sound pressure level for the group with structural laryngeal disorder.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the observed results, a significant reduction in the maximum phonation time of /e/ for the group with no structural laryngeal disorder, and a significant reduction of the maximum sound pressure level for the group with structural laryngeal disorder, it is possible that finger kazoo reduced the glottal hyperfunction by improving the balance between the respiratory and the glottal vocal production levels during speech.
Topics: Female; Glottis; Humans; Phonation; Voice; Voice Quality; Voice Training
PubMed: 31679924
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2019.08.018 -
The Journal of the Acoustical Society... May 2021Relative fundamental frequency (RFF) is a promising assessment technique for vocal pathologies. Herein, we explore the underlying laryngeal factors dictating RFF...
Relative fundamental frequency (RFF) is a promising assessment technique for vocal pathologies. Herein, we explore the underlying laryngeal factors dictating RFF behaviours during phonation offset. To gain physical insights, we analyze a simple impact oscillator model and follow that with a numerical study using the well-established body-cover model of the vocal folds (VFs). Study of the impact oscillator suggests that the observed decrease in fundamental frequency during offset is due, at least in part, to the increase in the neutral gap between the VFs during abduction and the concomitant decrease in collision forces. Moreover, the impact oscillator elucidates a correlation between sharper drops in RFF and increased stiffness of the VFs, supporting experimental RFF studies. The body-cover model study further emphasizes the correlation between the drops in RFF and collision forces. The numerical analysis also illustrates the sensitivity of RFF to abduction initiation time relative to the phase of the phonation cycle, and the abduction period length. In addition, the numerical simulations display the potential role of the cricothyroid muscle to mitigate the RFF reduction. Last, simplified models of phonotraumatic vocal hyperfunction are explored, demonstrating that the observed sharper drops in RFF are associated with increased pre-offset collision forces.
Topics: Laryngeal Muscles; Phonation; Physics; Speech Acoustics; Vocal Cords
PubMed: 34241131
DOI: 10.1121/10.0005006 -
The Laryngoscope Jul 2019Phonation threshold pressure (PTP), the minimum subglottal pressure (P ) required for phonation, is sensitive to changes in laryngeal biomechanics and is often elevated...
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS
Phonation threshold pressure (PTP), the minimum subglottal pressure (P ) required for phonation, is sensitive to changes in laryngeal biomechanics and is often elevated with pathology. Little is reported on PTP in children; challenges with task performance and measurement reliability represent barriers to routine clinical assessment.
STUDY DESIGN
Pilot study evaluating PTP and P measurement reliability in children using labial and mechanical interruption.
METHODS
Twenty-two subjects aged 4 to 17 years (10.7 ± 3.9 years) participated. Ten trials were performed for each method; task order was randomized. For labial interruption, subjects produced /pα/ five times at softest (onset PTP) and comfortable amplitude. For mechanical interruption, subjects produced a sustained /α/ while a balloon valve interrupted phonation five times for 250 ms each; mechanical interruption was performed with a mouthpiece and mask. PTP was recorded as the difference between P and supraglottal pressure at phonation cessation (offset PTP). Mean PTP and P and intrasubject coefficients of variation were compared. Correlations with age were evaluated.
RESULTS
Mean PTP (P < .001) and P (P = .005) were higher for labial interruption. Intrasubject coefficients of variation for PTP (P = .554) and P (P = .305) were similar across methods. Coefficient of variation was related to age for mechanical-mask trials only (r = -0.628, P = .00175).
CONCLUSIONS
Differences in means are likely related to differences in task and PTP hysteresis effect. Reliability is comparable with all methods; using a mouthpiece may be preferable to a mask for mechanical interruption. Measurement of PTP is noninvasive, reliable, and may be a useful adjunct in pediatric voice assessment.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
3b Laryngoscope, 129:1520-1526, 2019.
Topics: Adolescent; Age Factors; Biomechanical Phenomena; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Glottis; Humans; Larynx; Male; Manometry; Otolaryngology; Phonation; Pilot Projects; Pressure; Reproducibility of Results; Respiratory Function Tests
PubMed: 30408173
DOI: 10.1002/lary.27418 -
Folia Phoniatrica Et Logopaedica :... 2017This is the first study to investigate the behavioral nature (topography) of stuttering in Cantonese. Cantonese, a Sino-Tibetan language, is both tonal and...
OBJECTIVE
This is the first study to investigate the behavioral nature (topography) of stuttering in Cantonese. Cantonese, a Sino-Tibetan language, is both tonal and syllable-timed. Previous studies of stuttering topography have mainly been in Western languages, which are mainly stress-timed.
METHODS
Conversational speech samples were collected from 24 native Cantonese-speaking adults who stuttered. Six consecutive stuttering moments from each participant were analyzed using the Lidcombe behavioral data language (LBDL). A complexity analysis based on the LBDL was developed to indicate the proportion of multiple-behavior stuttering moments for each participant.
RESULTS
There was no significant difference in the frequency of the 7 LBDL behaviors. Almost half the stuttering moments across participants were reported as complex, containing more than 1 stuttering behavior, and stuttering complexity correlated significantly with stuttering severity.
CONCLUSIONS
These preliminary findings require replication because of their important theoretical and clinical implications. Differences in topography across languages have the potential to contribute to our understanding of the nature of stuttering. Clinically, the recognition of such differences may assist practitioners in identifying stuttering, for example when screening for early stuttering. The LBDL complexity score developed in this study has the potential to be used in other languages.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Asian People; Behavior; Female; Humans; Language; Male; Movement; Phonation; Posture; Stuttering; Video Recording; Young Adult
PubMed: 29462821
DOI: 10.1159/000481254 -
Predictive Factors Associated with Oral Intake Ability in Gastrostomy Patients Under Long-Term Care.The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging 2017To determine the physical indicators associated with oral intake status and swallowing function in gastrostomy patients under long-term care.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the physical indicators associated with oral intake status and swallowing function in gastrostomy patients under long-term care.
DESIGN
Cross-sectional study.
SETTING
Thirty-one hospitals that perform gastrostomy insertion, replacement and management.
PARTICIPANTS
A total of 117 respondents from 31 hospitals in Japan underwent gastrostomy tube replacement and management between September 2012 and January 2014. Each participant underwent a gastrostomy at least 6 months prior to the study, and received long-term care either at home, a care facility, or a hospital.
MEASUREMENTS
We conducted a questionnaire survey at Japanese hospitals and used the data obtained from 117 respondents for analysis. The survey was conducted using a questionnaire form that collected information about the following items: oral intake status, sex, age, disease history, number of days elapsed since gastrostomy, residence status, modified Rankin Scale score, consciousness, oral hygiene status, articulation and phonation, voluntary saliva swallow, Modified Water Swallow Test, and Food Test.
RESULTS
Results revealed significant differences in modified Rankin Scale scores, sputum production, articulation and phonation, and voluntary saliva swallowing between patients who were orally fed and those who were not. Moreover, sputum production and voluntary saliva swallowing were strongly associated with oral intake status. Finally, sputum production, articulation and phonation, and voluntary saliva swallowing were strongly associated with swallowing function test results.
CONCLUSION
Results from this study suggested that sputum production, articulation and phonation, and voluntary saliva swallowing could be used as indicators for estimating oral intake status and swallowing function in gastrostomy patients under long-term care.
Topics: Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Deglutition; Deglutition Disorders; Eating; Female; Gastrostomy; Humans; Japan; Long-Term Care; Male; Middle Aged; Phonation; Sputum; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 28537338
DOI: 10.1007/s12603-016-0796-9