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Non-linear function model of voice pitch dependency on physical and mental load
Bernd Johannes1, Peter Wittels, Robert Enne
1Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Division of Aerospace Psychology, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Sportallee 54 a, 22335, Hamburg, Germany. bernd.johannes@dlr.de
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|June 8, 2007
Summary
Voice pitch remains stable under tolerable physical exertion but rises with mental load or near exhaustion. Heart rate and blood pressure increase continuously with physical effort, unlike voice pitch.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Acoustic analysis
- Human stress response
Background:
- Voice fundamental frequency (pitch) changes are indicators of physiological and psychological states.
- Understanding voice pitch responses to different types of stress (physical vs. mental) is crucial for monitoring human performance and well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare voice pitch behavior under increasing physical load versus mental load.
- To identify distinct voice pitch levels associated with different stress conditions and individual responses.
Main Methods:
- 11 healthy young males underwent a bicycle ergometer stress test and mental load tasks (word recognition).
- Voice samples were collected during rest, mental load, and various physical exertion levels (100-350 W).
- Heart rate, blood pressure, and voice fundamental frequency were continuously monitored.
Main Results:
- Voice pitch remained stable ('tolerated load level') during moderate physical exertion (100-200 W) but increased significantly near exhaustion (275-350 W).
- Mental load caused a significant increase in voice pitch compared to rest levels.
- Heart rate and blood pressure showed continuous increases with physical load, unlike voice pitch.
Conclusions:
- Voice pitch exhibits distinct, non-linear responses to physical and mental stress, with identifiable levels.
- Individual voice pitch anchor frequencies are necessary for practical emotional stress monitoring.
- The findings suggest voice pitch can serve as a nuanced indicator of stress, differentiating between load types and intensity.
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