Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 10, 2026

Hemi-laryngeal Setup for Studying Vocal Fold Vibration in Three Dimensions
Published on: November 25, 2017
Estimating Subglottal Pressure From Neck-Surface Acceleration During Normal Voice Production.
Amanda S Fryd1, Jarrad H Van Stan1, Robert E Hillman2
1Communication Sciences and Disorders, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Charlestown, MACenter for Laryngeal Surgery and Voice Rehabilitation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.
A neck-surface accelerometer can accurately estimate subglottal pressure (Psg') in healthy speakers. This method shows higher accuracy for Psg' estimation than for sound pressure level (SPL) prediction.
Area of Science:
- Speech Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Acoustics
Background:
- Subglottal pressure (Psg") is crucial for voice production.
- Accurate Psg" measurement is challenging.
- Non-invasive estimation methods are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate neck-surface accelerometer for Psg" estimation.
- Compare Psg" estimation accuracy with sound pressure level (SPL) prediction.
- Assess the potential for ambulatory Psg" monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Recorded neck-surface acceleration, intraoral air pressure, and acoustic SPL.
- Used 10 vocally healthy speakers performing /p/-vowel gestures at varying loudness and pitch.
- Correlated root-mean-square acceleration amplitude with Psg" and SPL.
Main Results:
- High correlation (r2 = .68-.93) between accelerometer amplitude and Psg" across participants.
- Accelerometer-Psg" relationship was stronger than accelerometer-SPL relationship (r2 = .46-.81).
- Average prediction interval for Psg" estimation was ±2.53 cm H2O.
Conclusions:
- Neck-surface accelerometer is a viable tool for estimating Psg".
- Accelerometer-based Psg" estimation is more accurate than SPL prediction.
- Further research should explore nonmodal voice and clinical populations.
Related Concept Videos
Pressure Relationships in Thoracic Cavity
Breathing Mechanisms
Both intra-alveolar and intrapleural pressures rely on specific lung properties. The ability to breathe—allowing air to enter the lungs...
Application of Integration: Problem Solving
Application of Linearization and Approximation
Bernoulli's Equation for Flow Normal to a Streamline
The pressure difference depends on the fluid's velocity and radius of curvature. The pressure variation is minimal in flows with nearly straight streamlines. However, the...
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Deriving the Speed of Sound in a Liquid
The speed of sound in fluids can be derived by considering a mechanical wave...

