Mapping the Neurophysiological Link Between Voice and Autonomic Function: A Scoping Review.

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Speech Science
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Vocal production involves complex coordination of respiratory, laryngeal, and autonomic systems.
• High vocal demand can impact autonomic regulation, even without diagnosed voice disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review evidence on the relationship between voice production and autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity in adults.
• To focus on studies simultaneously assessing both vocal and autonomic systems.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a systematic literature search across major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL) following PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
• Included studies involving adults performing structured vocal tasks with concurrent autonomic measurements (e.g., heart rate, heart rate variability, electrodermal activity).
• Synthesized data descriptively from 15 eligible studies.

Main Results:

• Identified four key trends: autonomic synchronization during group vocalization, modulation of autonomic tone by vocal characteristics, voice-ANS interplay under stress, and physiological coupling in hyperfunctional voice use.
• Most studies involved healthy adults with high vocal demand, with some including individuals with subclinical or functional voice traits.
• Vocal tasks varied widely, including singing, sustained phonation, and speech under cognitive or emotional load.

Conclusions:

• Vocal activity demonstrates a capacity to modulate autonomic nervous system function.
• Findings support the integration of autonomic markers into experimental and clinical voice research.
• The interplay between voice production and autonomic regulation is a significant area for further investigation.