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International Journal of Environmental... Feb 2023Recently, increased attention to breathing techniques during exercise has addressed the need for more in-depth study of the ergogenic effects of breathing manipulation....
Recently, increased attention to breathing techniques during exercise has addressed the need for more in-depth study of the ergogenic effects of breathing manipulation. The physiological effects of phonation, as a potential breathing tool, have not yet been studied. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the respiratory, metabolic and hemodynamic responses of phonated exhalation and its impact on locomotor-respiratory entrainment in young healthy adults during moderate exercise. Twenty-six young, healthy participants were subjected to peak expiratory flow (PEF) measurements and a moderate steady cycling protocol based on three different breathing patterns (BrP): spontaneous breathing (BrP1), phonated breathing pronouncing "h" (BrP2) and phonated breathing pronouncing "ss" (BrP3). The heart rate, arterial blood pressure, oxygen consumption, CO production, respiratory rate (RR), tidal volume (VT), respiratory exchange ratio and ventilatory equivalents for both important respiratory gasses (eqO and eqCO) were measured (Cosmed, Italy) simultaneously during a short period of moderate stationary cycling at a predefined cadence. To evaluate the psychological outcomes, the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded after each cycling protocol. The locomotor-respiratory frequency coupling was calculated at each BrP, and dominant coupling was determined. Phonation gradually decreased the PEF (388 ± 54 L/min at BrP2 and 234 ± 54 L/min at BrP3 compared to 455 ± 42 L/min upon spontaneous breathing) and affected the RR (18.8 ± 5.0 min at BrP2 compared to 22.6 ± 5.5 min at BrP1 and 21.3 ± 7.2 min at BrP3), VT (2.33 ± 0.53 L at BrP2 compared to 1.86 ± 0.46 L at BrP1 and 2.00 ± 0.45 L at BrP3), dominant locomotor-respiratory coupling (1:4 at BrP2 compared to 1:3 at BrP1 and BrP2) and RPE (10.27 ± 2.00 at BrP1 compared to 11.95 ± 1.79 at BrP1 and 11.95 ± 1.01 at BrP3) but not any other respiratory, metabolic or hemodynamic measures of the healthy adults during moderate cycling. The ventilatory efficiency was shown to improve upon dominant locomotor-respiratory coupling, regardless of BrP (eqO = 21.8 ± 2.2 and eqCO = 24.0 ± 1.9), compared to the other entrainment coupling regimes (25.3 ± 1.9, 27.3 ± 1.7) and no entrainment (24.8 ± 1.5, 26.5 ± 1.3), respectively. No interaction between phonated breathing and entrainment was observed during moderate cycling. We showed, for the first time, that phonation can be used as a simple tool to manipulate expiratory flow. Furthermore, our results indicated that in young healthy adults, entrainment, rather than expiratory resistance, preferentially affected ergogenic enhancement upon moderate stationary cycling. It can only be speculated that phonation would be a good strategy to increase exercise tolerance among COPD patients or to boost the respiratory efficiency of healthy people at higher exercise loads.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Respiratory Rate; Respiration; Lung; Exercise; Respiratory Function Tests
PubMed: 36833534
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20042838 -
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of... Mar 2023Typical singing registers are the chest and falsetto; however, trained singers have an additional register, namely, the mixed register. The mixed register, which is also...
INTRODUCTION
Typical singing registers are the chest and falsetto; however, trained singers have an additional register, namely, the mixed register. The mixed register, which is also called "mixed voice" or "mix," is an important technique for singers, as it can help bridge from the chest voice to falsetto without noticeable voice breaks.
OBJECTIVE
The present study aims to reveal the nature of the voice-production mechanism of the different registers (chest, mix, and falsetto) using high-speed digital imaging (HSDI), electroglottography (EGG), and acoustic and aerodynamic measurements.
STUDY DESIGN
Cross-sectional study.
METHODS
Aerodynamic measurements were acquired for twelve healthy singers (six men and women) during the phonation of a variety of pitches using three registers. HSDI and EGG devices were simultaneously used on three healthy singers (two men and one woman) from which an open quotient (OQ) and speed quotient (SQ) were detected. Audio signals were recorded for five sustained vowels, and a spectral analysis was conducted to determine the amplitude of each harmonic component. Furthermore, the absolute (not relative) value of the glottal volume flow was estimated by integrating data obtained from the HSDI and aerodynamic studies.
RESULTS
For all singers, the subglottal pressure (P) was the highest for the chest in the three registers, and the mean flow rate (MFR) was the highest for the falsetto. Conversely, the P of the mix was as low as the falsetto, and the MFR of the mix was as low as the chest. The HSDI analysis showed that the OQ differed significantly among the registers, even when the fundamental frequency was the same; the OQ of the mix was higher than that of the chest but lower than that of the falsetto. The acoustic analysis showed that, for the mix, the harmonic structure was intermediate between the chest and falsetto. The results of the glottal volume-flow analysis revealed that the maximum volume velocity was the least for the mix register at every fundamental frequency. The first and second harmonic (H1-H2) difference of the voice source spectrum was the greatest for the falsetto, then the mix, and finally, the chest.
CONCLUSIONS
We found differences in the registers in terms of the aeromechanical mechanisms and vibration patterns of the vocal folds. The mixed register proved to have a distinct voice-production mechanism, which can be differentiated from those of the chest or falsetto registers.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Voice Quality; Cross-Sectional Studies; Vocal Cords; Phonation; Glottis
PubMed: 33518476
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2020.12.028 -
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta.... Feb 2023This year celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Singer-Nicolson fluid mosaic model for biological membranes. The next level of sophistication we have achieved for... (Review)
Review
This year celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Singer-Nicolson fluid mosaic model for biological membranes. The next level of sophistication we have achieved for understanding plasma membrane (PM) structures, dynamics, and functions during these 50 years includes the PM interactions with cortical actin filaments and the partial demixing of membrane constituent molecules in the PM, particularly raft domains. Here, first, we summarize our current knowledge of these two structures and emphasize that they are interrelated. Second, we review the structure, molecular dynamics, and function of raft domains, with main focuses on raftophilic glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins (GPI-APs) and their signal transduction mechanisms. We pay special attention to the results obtained by single-molecule imaging techniques and other advanced microscopy methods. We also clarify the limitations of present optical microscopy methods for visualizing raft domains, but emphasize that single-molecule imaging techniques can "detect" raft domains associated with molecules of interest in the PM.
Topics: Actins; Microscopy; Singing; Membrane Microdomains; Cell Membrane
PubMed: 36423676
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2022.184093 -
European Archives of... Sep 2023The current study aimed to profile vocal fold morphology, vocal fold symmetry, gender and task-specific data for vocal fold length (VFL) and vocal fold displacement...
PURPOSE
The current study aimed to profile vocal fold morphology, vocal fold symmetry, gender and task-specific data for vocal fold length (VFL) and vocal fold displacement velocity (VFDV) in young normophonic adults in the age range of 18-30 years using ultrasonography (USG).
METHODS
Participants underwent USG across quiet breathing, /a/ phonation and /i/ phonation tasks, and acoustic analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between USG and acoustic measures.
RESULTS
The study found that males have longer vocal folds than females, and overall greater velocities were observed in /a/ phonation, followed by /i/ phonation, with the lowest velocity observed in the quiet breathing task.
CONCLUSIONS
The obtained norms can be used as a quantitative benchmark for analyzing the vocal fold behavior in young adults.
Topics: Male; Female; Young Adult; Humans; Adolescent; Adult; Vocal Cords; Phonation; Ultrasonography; Acoustics; Vibration
PubMed: 37221308
DOI: 10.1007/s00405-023-08025-6 -
Planta Medica Mar 2020(hedge mustard and formerly called ) is a common plant in wild lands of Europe and Africa. It is also cultivated for its seeds and leaves to be used in salad or... (Review)
Review
(hedge mustard and formerly called ) is a common plant in wild lands of Europe and Africa. It is also cultivated for its seeds and leaves to be used in salad or mustard. is useful not only in culinary preparations, but it also seems to possess interesting therapeutic properties, especially for throat diseases such as aphonia and hoarseness. For this reason, it is commonly called "herb of singers" (in Italian, "Erba dei cantanti"). Indeed a cup of infusion is frequently consumed by singers before artistic performance, even if its beneficial ability still needs to be scientifically demonstrated. Some preliminary data can be analyzed, but new efforts and resources should be devoted to study and investigate a plant with valuable therapeutic potential. This review summarizes the data available for
Topics: Africa; Brassicaceae; Europe; Seeds; Singing
PubMed: 32018307
DOI: 10.1055/a-1088-9928 -
Health Promotion International Dec 2022A mixed-methods concurrent identical design was implemented to explore the following research question: what are the emotional, social, and practical impacts of group...
A mixed-methods concurrent identical design was implemented to explore the following research question: what are the emotional, social, and practical impacts of group singing for women from a regeneration area? Members of an all-female community choir based in an area of disadvantage participated in a focus group and survey. The most significant quantitative finding was an increase in the overall perceived level of health, which seemed linked to qualitative themes of 'positive emotions', 'redefining and reclaiming identity', 'choir as an extended family' and 'community interaction and impact'. Three themes arose from qualitative data: social impact, health and well-being aspects, and practical issues. Integrating qualitative and quantitative findings identified an overarching concept that 'choir participation may increase emotional and social health and well-being'. Group singing was found beneficial, with a potential to serve as a resource in cultivating resilience in individuals living in areas of disadvantage.
Topics: Female; Humans; Extended Family; Singing
PubMed: 36482784
DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daac112 -
Industrial Health Jun 2020Musculoskeletal symptoms (MSSs) are common among professional musicians; however, most of the research has focused on orchestral/classical musicians. In some countries... (Review)
Review
Musculoskeletal symptoms (MSSs) are common among professional musicians; however, most of the research has focused on orchestral/classical musicians. In some countries orchestral and classical musicians are in the minority; hence targeting research towards these specific sub-groups of musicians is unlikely to address the overall burden of musicians' MSSs, unless the research is generalizable to other types of musicians. This multidisciplinary narrative review seeks to answer the question: "why do we need to examine the MSSs of non-classical groups of performing musicians in order to reduce the burden of musicians' MSSs?". There are differences in the education, posture, tasks (e.g. military training for military band musicians, dancing for those in musical theatre), venues and management of MSSs for different types of musicians. Future research should compare classical and non-classical musicians in order to determine which specific sub-groups (e.g. military band musicians) have the greatest MSS burden, such that further research into the risk factors of and interventions for MSSs can be targeted towards the sub-groups of musicians with the greatest MSS burden. In doing so, we maximise the likelihood of being able to introduce interventions, policies and practice that reduce the burden of musicians' MSSs.
Topics: Humans; Military Medicine; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Music; Occupational Diseases; Posture; Risk Factors; Singing
PubMed: 31588069
DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2019-0094 -
CoDAS 2020This study aims to measure the pressure of the pharynx and the pharyngoesophageal segment (PES) at rest and during phonation in total laryngectomized patients, with...
PURPOSE
This study aims to measure the pressure of the pharynx and the pharyngoesophageal segment (PES) at rest and during phonation in total laryngectomized patients, with different levels of voice production.
METHODS
four total laryngectomized individuals participated in the study, All patients underwent High Resolution Manometry (MAR) at rest and during phonation. After this process, a descriptive analysis of the results was performed.
RESULTS
we observed that during rest the patients had PES pressure below normal and this data may be related to changes in the muscular connections at the level of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) especially the interruption of the cricopharyngeal plexus. During phonation, two patients presented higher UES pressure values during phonation, when compared to the values found at rest, suggesting that introduction of air into the esophagus is followed by pharyngoesophageal contraction and that during phonation the patients with good esophageal speech may develop more pressure in this region.
CONCLUSION
Studies with a greater number of participants may help define, for example, subjects who may benefit from procedures such as cricopharyngeal myotomy or other medical conduct in order to facilitate the acquisition of esophageal voice in these patients.
Topics: Esophagus; Humans; Laryngectomy; Manometry; Pharynx; Phonation; Speech, Esophageal
PubMed: 33237186
DOI: 10.1590/2317-1782/20202019006 -
CoDAS 2020Verify the perception of popular and classical singers in relation to vocal symptoms and their possible relations regarding knowledge of health and vocal hygiene.
PURPOSE
Verify the perception of popular and classical singers in relation to vocal symptoms and their possible relations regarding knowledge of health and vocal hygiene.
METHOD
This study was composed of 242 singers, aged between 17 and 60, of both sexes. A total of 56 singers were selected, with 186 singers, divided into 104 Popular Singers Group (PSG) and 82 Classical Singers Group (CSG). All participants answered the questionnaire for identification and also vocal self-assessment, and two protocols were applied, namely: Brazilian validated version of Voice Symptom Scale - VoiSS (Escala de Sintomas Vocais - ESV) and Questionário de Saúde e Higiene Vocal (QSHV).
RESULTS
The largest number of participants was female. The classical singers presented more time of singing class than the popular ones. Show hours of 1-2 hours was higher in the number of subjects responding to both groups of singers. Classical singers presented greater perception of vocal symptoms when compared to the popular ones for total and emotional scores of the Brazilian validated version of VoiSS. The popular and classical groups do not make any difference regarding health and vocal hygiene, even though the groups obtained values above the QSHV normality score. There was no correlation between knowledge about vocal health and hygiene and vocal symptoms in singers.
CONCLUSION
Classical singers are more affected by vocal changes, especially women. The singers obtained a good degree of knowledge in vocal hygiene, not differing about the styles. The perception of vocal alteration in popular and classical singers seems to have no relation with the degree of health knowledge and vocal hygiene.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Brazil; Female; Humans; Hygiene; Male; Middle Aged; Self Concept; Singing; Surveys and Questionnaires; Voice Disorders; Voice Quality; Young Adult
PubMed: 32638826
DOI: 10.1590/2317-1782/20202018304 -
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of... Jul 2023While the vocal fold is in direct contact anteriorly with the thyroid cartilage, posteriorly the vocal fold connects to the thyroid cartilage through a soft tissue layer...
OBJECTIVE
While the vocal fold is in direct contact anteriorly with the thyroid cartilage, posteriorly the vocal fold connects to the thyroid cartilage through a soft tissue layer in the paraglottic space. Currently the paraglottic space is often neglected in computational models of phonation, in which a fixed boundary condition is often imposed on the lateral surface of the vocal fold. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of the paraglottic space on voice production in an MRI-based vocal fold model, and how this effect may be counteracted by vocal fold stiffening due to laryngeal muscle activation.
METHODS
Parametric simulation study using an MRI-based computational vocal fold model.
RESULTS
The results showed that the presence of the paraglottic space increased the mean and amplitude of the glottal area waveform, decreased the phonation frequency and closed quotient. For the particular vocal fold geometry used in this study, the presence of the paraglottic space also reduced the occurrence of irregular vocal fold vibration. These effects of the paraglottic space became smaller with increasing paraglottic space stiffness and to a lesser degree with vocal fold stiffening.
CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that the paraglottic space may be neglected in qualitative evaluations of normal phonation, but needs to be included in simulations of pathological phonation or vocal fold posturing.
Topics: Humans; Vocal Cords; Voice; Phonation; Glottis; Vibration; Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PubMed: 33752927
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2021.02.021