Vocal resistance among choir singers

Area of Science:

• Vocal pedagogy
• Speech and hearing science
• Singing voice analysis

Background:

• Vocal fatigue is a common concern for singers, impacting vocal performance and health.
• Understanding the acoustic and perceptual changes after prolonged singing is crucial for vocal health management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the acoustic and perceptual effects of 60 minutes of continuous singing on the voices of female choir singers.
• To assess the recovery of vocal function after a 30-minute period of vocal rest.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-one female choir singers underwent acoustic analysis (f0, Flo, Fhi, vAm) and self-perception evaluation of vocal symptoms.
• Vocal tasks included sustained /a/ vowel emission before and after 60 minutes of continuous singing ('Ave Verum') and a 30-minute vocal rest period.

Main Results:

• Continuous singing significantly increased fundamental frequency (f0) and lowest frequency (Flo), while highest frequency (Fhi) also showed a persistent increase post-rest.
• Vocal amplitude (vAm) decreased after singing and rest. Self-reported vocal symptoms increased post-singing and decreased after rest, with exceptions for low voice, dysphagia, and throat clearing.
• Acoustic measures indicated vocal fatigue, with f0 and Flo increasing post-singing and decreasing after rest.

Conclusions:

• Prolonged singing (60 minutes) induces vocal fatigue, characterized by increased f0.
• A 30-minute vocal rest period can lead to symptom improvement and a reduction in f0, though some acoustic alterations may persist.
• Findings highlight the impact of sustained vocal use on singer's voice and the restorative effect of vocal rest.