Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 30, 2026
08:17
Reducing State Anxiety Using Working Memory Maintenance
Published on: July 19, 2017
9.6K
Participant anxiety and presence of hyperfunction in stroboscopy
Amit S Kelkar1, Kathleen T Cox, Monica Hough
1Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, East Carolina University, Greenville, N.C., USA.
Summary
Vocal hyperfunction, often seen during stroboscopy, decreased with repeated trials in individuals with normal vocal function. Anxiety did not significantly impact this vocal change, suggesting familiarity reduces hyperfunction.
Area of Science:
- Laryngology
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Acoustic Analysis
Background:
- Vocal hyperfunction, characterized by excessive supraglottic activity and abnormal vibratory patterns, can be observed during stroboscopy.
- This can occur even in individuals with normal laryngeal structure, function, and perceived vocal quality, potentially influenced by anxiety related to the procedure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of vocal hyperfunction in individuals with normal laryngeal structure and function.
- To track changes in vocal hyperfunction associated with repeated stroboscopy within 24-48 hours.
Main Methods:
- Thirty participants, new to stroboscopy, underwent the procedure.
- Participants completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory three times over a 24-48 hour period.
Main Results:
- Vocal hyperfunction was observed in 41.4% of participants after the initial stroboscopy trial.
- Vocal hyperfunction decreased to 27.6% by the third trial, indicating a significant effect of time.
- While average anxiety scores decreased, state anxiety did not significantly influence changes in vocal hyperfunction.
Conclusions:
- Familiarity with the stroboscopy procedure and practice can mitigate the development of vocal hyperfunction.
- Accurate assessment of true vocal function during stroboscopy may be achieved by patient acclimatization and task practice without topical anesthetic.
