Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 22, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancements in the Fabrication of Synthetic Vocal Fold Models for Phonetic and Robotic Applications
Published on: January 5, 2024
Pediatric high speed digital imaging of vocal fold vibration: a normative pilot study of glottal closure and phase
Rita R Patel1, Angela Dixon, Annamary Richmond
1Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Division of Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40536-0200, USA. rita.patel@uky.edu
Insights
Normal voice patterns in children differ significantly from adults. This study used high-speed imaging to show children have a posterior glottal gap and open phase, unlike adults.
Area of Science:
- Laryngology
- Pediatric Voice Disorders
- Vocal Fold Physiology
Background:
- Understanding normal vocal fold vibratory patterns is crucial for diagnosing voice disorders.
- Previous research has primarily focused on adult vocal fold dynamics, with limited data on pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize normal glottal closure and phase closure vibratory patterns in children using high-speed digital imaging.
- To establish normative data for pediatric vocal fold function.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 56 pre-pubertal children (5-11 years) and 56 adults (21-45 years) with normal voices.
- High-speed digital imaging at 4000 frames per second to capture typical phonation.
- Semi-automated software and montage analysis of glottal cycles by three experienced raters.
Main Results:
- Children predominantly exhibited a posterior glottal gap (85% girls, 68% boys) and a predominantly open phase (86% girls, 71% boys).
- Adults showed a higher prevalence of posterior glottal gap but also more complete closure and balanced/closed phases compared to children.
- Significant differences in glottal configuration and phase closure were observed between pediatric and adult populations.
Conclusions:
- Normal glottal configuration and phase closure in children differ distinctly from adults.
- Posterior glottal gap and a predominantly open phase are considered normal in children.
- This study provides foundational data for differentiating normal pediatric vocal fold vibratory patterns from disordered ones.
Objective:
The aim of the study is to characterize normal vibratory patterns of both glottal closure and phase closure in the pediatric population with the use of high speed digital imaging.
Methods:
For this prospective study a total of 56 pre-pubertal children, 5-11 years (boys=28, girls=28) and 56 adults, 21-45 years (males=28, females=28) without known voice problems were examined with the use of a new technology of high speed digital imaging. Recordings were captured at 4000 frames per second for duration of 4.094 s at participants' typical phonation. With semi-automated software, montage analysis of glottal cycles was performed. Three trained experienced raters, rated features of glottal configuration and phase closure from glottal cycle montages.
Results:
Posterior glottal gap was the predominant glottal closure configuration in children (girls=85%, boys=68%) with normal voice. Other glottal configurations observed were: anterior gap (girls=3.6%, boys=0%), complete closure (girls=7%, boys=10%) and hour glass (girls=0%, boys=11%). Adults with normal voice also demonstrated predominantly higher percentage of posterior glottal gap configuration (females=75% male=54%) compared to the configurations of anterior gap (females=0% male=7%), complete closure (females=2% male=39%), hour glass (females=3.6% male=3.6%). A predominantly open phase (51-70% of the glottal cycle) was observed in 86% girls and 71% boys. Compared to children, adult females showed a predominantly balance phased closure 46%, followed by open phase (39%) and predominantly closed phase (14%). Adult males showed a predominantly closed phase (43%), followed by predominantly open phase (39%), followed by a balanced phase (18%).
Conclusions:
This is a first study investigating characteristics of normal vibratory motion in children with high speed digital imaging. Glottal configuration and phase closure for children with normal voices are distinctly different compared to adults. The results suggest that posterior glottal gap and a predominantly open phase of the glottal cycle should be considered as normal glottal configuration in children during modal pitch and loudness. This study provides preliminary information on the vibratory characteristics of children with normal voice. The data presented here may provide the bases for differentiating normal vibratory characteristics from the disordered in the pediatric population.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
01:25Suctioning the Oropharyngeal Airway
After assembling the equipment, the nurse should practice hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE according to infection control guidelines to avoid the...
01:29Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway
Equipment Required
01:31Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
01:28Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract IV: Auscultation
Breath Sounds
Breath sounds are categorized into vesicular, bronchovesicular, and bronchial.
01:20Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation: