Breathing and Singing: Objective Characterization of Breathing Patterns in Classical Singers

Area of Science:

• Respiratory physiology
• Vocal performance science

Background:

• Singing requires different respiratory kinematics than quiet breathing.
• Professional singers often emphasize active abdominal control for improved vocal performance.
• Quantitative studies on these kinematic patterns and their variability are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively investigate and identify stereotypical patterns of respiratory kinematics in professional classical singers versus untrained individuals.
• To compare respiratory coordination during quiet breathing and singing tasks between the two groups.

Main Methods:

• Assessment of respiratory kinematics and airflow in seven professional singers and four untrained individuals.
• Data collection during quiet breathing and singing (standard song and piece of choice).
• Principal Component Analysis (PCA) applied to identify typical respiratory kinematic patterns.

Main Results:

• No group differences in respiratory kinematics during quiet breathing.
• Both groups adapted to singing with decreased inspiration time and increased peak airflow.
• Classical singers exhibited greater abdominal contribution to lung volume and increased rib cage-abdomen asynchrony during singing compared to untrained individuals.
• PCA revealed consistent pre-phonatory inward abdominal movements in singers, contrasting with synchronous movements in untrained individuals.

Conclusions:

• Classical singers significantly alter rib cage-abdomen coordination for singing, differing from quiet breathing patterns.
• Pre-phonatory inward abdominal movements in singers may enhance voice quality by increasing intra-abdominal pressure and optimizing expiratory muscle function.
• Findings highlight unique respiratory strategies employed by professional singers.