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EMG biofeedback as a function of voice-quality change
Perceptual and Motor Skills
|June 1, 1987
Summary
Investigating voice quality changes, this study compared electromyography (EMG) with vocal characteristics. Results showed EMG activity varied in relation to voice changes, suggesting limited clinical use for diagnosing voice disorders.
Area of Science:
- Speech science
- Laryngology
- Bioacoustics
Background:
- Electromyography (EMG) measures muscle electrical activity.
- Voice quality changes can indicate laryngeal dysfunction.
- Understanding the relationship between EMG and voice quality is crucial for diagnosing voice disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between electromyography (EMG) signals and perceived voice quality changes.
- To assess the reliability of EMG in detecting voluntary voice alterations.
Main Methods:
- Four healthy speakers produced sustained vowels, counting, and reading in normal and harsh voices.
- Audio recordings captured vocalizations.
- Surface electrodes recorded EMG activity over the cricothyroid areas.
- Perceptual ratings of voice quality were compared with averaged EMG values.
Main Results:
- One speaker showed EMG changes that paralleled voice quality alterations.
- The other three speakers exhibited variable and sometimes minimal EMG changes compared to voice quality shifts.
- Surface electrode placement over the cricothyroid areas remained constant.
Conclusions:
- EMG changes do not consistently correlate with voluntary voice quality modifications in all individuals.
- The clinical utility of EMG for diagnosing voice disorders may be limited due to inconsistent findings.
- Further research is needed to refine EMG applications in voice assessment.