Voice production during a weightlifting and support task.
1Department of Speech-Language Pathology, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ 07079, USA. orlikoro@shu.edu
Summary
Weightlifting during voice production increases vocal fold compression and airway resistance. This study found no changes in pitch or airflow, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for voice exercises.
Area of Science:
- Vocal physiology
- Speech-language pathology
Background:
- Effort closure techniques are historically used for voice disorders.
- Limited research exists on the specific laryngeal and phonatory effects of these techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiologic changes in voice production during a weightlifting maneuver.
- To provide preliminary data on laryngeal and phonatory effects of simultaneous phonation and exertion.
Main Methods:
- Twenty healthy adults (10 male, 10 female) performed phonation tasks while lifting and supporting weights.
- Measured electroglottography (EGG), fundamental frequency (F0) variability, laryngeal airway resistance, and airflow.
Main Results:
- Increased EGG contact quotient, long-term F0 variability, and estimated laryngeal airway resistance were observed during weightlifting.
- No significant changes in mean F0, jitter, or phonatory airflow were found between pre-lift and lift conditions.
Conclusions:
- Simultaneous phonation and weightlifting increases laryngeal airway resistance via elevated driving pressure and medial vocal fold compression.
- Findings suggest potential therapeutic benefits of air-trapping exercises for voice production and understanding vocal physiology.
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