Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2025
fMRI Mapping of Brain Activity Associated with the Vocal Production of Consonant and Dissonant Intervals
Published on: May 23, 2017
Analysis of Supraglottic Activity during Vocalization in Flamenco Singers
Irene Hermoso1, Miguel Rodriguez1,2, Camilo Quezada3
1Department of Speech Therapy, Viamed Santa Ángela de la Cruz Hospital, Seville, Spain.
Introduction:
Flamenco is a traditional music originally from Andalusia in southern Spain. Some of the vocal resources used in Flamenco have components of voice distortion and other voice qualities that could sound like hyperfunctional voice productions. The present study aimed at observing supraglottic activity in flamenco singers while engaged in singing at various degrees of pitch and loudness and while engaged in realizing phonatory tasks.
Methods:
A total of eighteen flamenco singers with at least 5 years of voice training were recruited. Flexible endoscopic voice evaluations were recorded and edited to provide samples of different pitches, loudness levels, and phonatory tasks. Sound was removed from video samples. Two blinded laryngologists were asked to assess antero-posterior compression, medial compression, pharyngeal compression, and VLP for every sample, using a visual analog scale.
Results:
Significantly higher values were found for medial compression, anterior-posterior compression, VLP and pharyngeal compression during high loudness levels when compared to medium and low loudness. Overall, medial compression was lower than anterior-posterior compression.
Conclusion:
Supraglottic activity is present in flamenco singing in the four laryngoscopic variables. It seems to be that supraglottic activity increases with loudness level and pitch. This behavior could be a natural and necessary aspect of flamenco singing present during both sustained vowels and song.
More Related Videos
06:24Author Spotlight: Advancements in the Fabrication of Synthetic Vocal Fold Models for Phonetic and Robotic Applications
Published on: January 5, 2024
07:22Minimally Invasive Murine Laryngoscopy for Close-Up Imaging of Laryngeal Motion During Breathing and Swallowing
Published on: December 1, 2023
Related Concept Videos
01:29Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
01:21Larynx
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids,...
01:28Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract IV: Auscultation
Breath Sounds
Breath sounds are categorized into vesicular, bronchovesicular, and bronchial.
01:31Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
01:24Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Palpation
Thoracic Palpation
Thoracic palpation detects tenderness, masses, lesions, respiratory excursions, and vocal fremitus. The nurse assesses...
01:25Deglutition
Swallowing can be divided into three stages: the voluntary phase, the pharyngeal phase, and the esophageal phase. Although the...