Voice Quality of Life and Musculoskeletal Symptoms of Pregnant Women.

INTRODUCTION: Quality of life in terms of voice and musculoskeletal symptoms can be affected, especially at the end of pregnancy when major physical changes occur. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the results of vocal self-assessment and musculoskeletal symptoms of pregnant women in the second and third trimester. METHODS: Forty-nine pregnant women in the second and third trimester aged between 18 and 40years were examined using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the Voice-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire. The data were statistically analyzed using the R environment (R Core Team, 2019) with parametric (Student's t, chi-square, and Wald) and nonparametric (Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon) tests, taking into account a nominal significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Voice-related quality of life: mean total score and socio-emotional domain significantly within the normal values; physical domain significantly below the normal value; larger number of pregnant women significantly below the normal value in the physical domain. Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire: most of the examined aspects showed a significant negative response; there was a positive significance for the presence of pain and tingling in the lower back; pregnant women with musculoskeletal complaints and impairments showed a significant decrease in the three domains of voice-related quality of life, mainly in the physical domain. CONCLUSION: Pregnant women showed a deterioration in the physical domain of voice-related quality of life and the presence of pain and tingling in the lower back. Pregnant women who had discomfort and musculoskeletal impairments also showed a deterioration in voice-related quality of life, mainly in the physical domain.

CPAP Treatment Improves Quality of Life and Self-perception of Voice Impairment in Patients with OSA.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to examine vocal fatigue and impairment, gastroesophageal symptoms, dysphagia risk, and sleep-related quality of life in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who have been treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) compared to those who have not received treatment. METHODS: Fifty-four participants diagnosed with OSA completed an online research form. Of these, 29 were receiving CPAP treatment, while 25 were not undergoing treatment. The following instruments were used: Vocal Fatigue Index, Voice Handicap Index, Gastroesophageal symptoms, Eating Assessment Tool, and Quebec Sleep Questionnaire. RESULTS: The group that received CPAP treatment had significantly lower scores in the functional domain and total Voice Handicap Index. They also experienced fewer symptoms of regurgitation, reduced daytime sleepiness, fewer nocturnal symptoms, and better emotional and social interactions in their quality of life compared to the untreated group. There were no significant differences in voice fatigue and dysphagia risk between the groups. CONCLUSION: Individuals treated with CPAP experience reduced vocal impairment, fewer regurgitation symptoms, and improvement in the emotional and social interactions domains of their quality of life compared to individuals without treatment.

A speech therapy for transgender women: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: We systematically reviewed the literature and performed a meta-analysis on the effects of speech therapy and phonosurgery, for transgender women, in relation to the fundamental frequency gain of the voice, regarding the type of vocal sample collected, and we compared the effectiveness of the treatments. In addition, the study design, year, country, types of techniques used, total therapy time, and vocal assessment protocols were analyzed. METHODS: We searched the PubMed, Lilacs, and SciELO databases for observational studies and clinical trials, published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish, between January 2010 and January 2023. The selection of studies was carried out according to Prisma 2020. The quality of selected studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. RESULTS: Of 493 studies, 31 were deemed potentially eligible and retrieved for full-text review and 16 were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Six studies performed speech therapy and ten studies phonosurgery. The speech therapy time did not influence the post-treatment gain in voice fundamental frequency (p = 0.6254). The type of sample collected significantly influenced the post-treatment voice frequency gain (p < 0.01). When the vocal sample was collected through vowel (p < 0.01) and reading (p < 0.01), the gain was significantly more heterogeneous between the different types of treatment. Phonosurgery is significantly more effective in terms of fundamental frequency gain compared to speech therapy alone, regardless of the type of sample collected (p < 0.01). The average gain of fundamental frequency after speech therapy, in the /a/ vowel sample, was 27 Hz, 39.05 Hz in reading, and 25.42 Hz in spontaneous speech. In phonosurgery, there was a gain of 71.68 Hz for the vowel /a/, 41.07 Hz in reading, and 39.09 Hz in spontaneous speech. The study with the highest gain (110 Hz) collected vowels, and the study with the lowest gain (15 Hz), spontaneous speech. The major of the included studies received a score between 4 and 8 on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. CONCLUSION: The type of vocal sample collected influences the gain result of the fundamental frequency after treatment. Speech therapy and phonosurgery increased the fundamental frequency and improved female voice perception and vocal satisfaction. However, phonosurgery yielded a greater fundamental frequency gain in the different samples collected. The study protocol was registered at Prospero (CRD42017078446).

Effect of Pompage on Vocal and Respiratory Measurements from Female Teachers: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Teachers stand out among occupational groups due to their contribution to modern societies, and their voice is the main form of interaction. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to verify the changes in vocal and respiratory measurements from teachers with vocal and musculoskeletal complaints and with normal larynx after applying a musculoskeletal manipulation protocol of myofascial release using pompage. METHODS: Controlled and randomized clinical trial with 56 participants: 28 teachers in the study group and 28 teachers in the control group. Anamnesis, videolaryngoscopy, hearing screening, sound pressure and maximum phonation time measurements, and manovacuometry were performed. The musculoskeletal manipulation protocol of myofascial release using pompage consisted of a total of 24 sessions, 40 min for each session, three times a week, for 8 weeks. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in the maximum respiratory pressure in the study group after the intervention. The sound pressure level and the maximum phonation time did not change significantly. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Musculoskeletal manipulation protocol of myofascial release using pompage had a direct effect on the respiratory measurements from female teachers, significantly increasing the maximum respiratory pressure but without affecting sound pressure level and the /a/ maximum phonation time.

Efeitos da estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua (ETCC) na voz e fala na doença de Parkinson: relato de caso / Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on voice and speech in Parkinson's disease: a case report

RESUMO Este estudo descreve os resultados de duas intervenções diferentes para a disartria na doença de Parkinson (DP). Trata-se de dois pacientes do sexo masculino com DP e disartria hipocinética que foram submetidos à avaliação fonoaudiológica. O primeiro (S1) recebeu dez sessões de 20 minutos de estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua (ETCC), enquanto o segundo (S2) recebeu dez sessões de 20 minutos de ETCC e terapia fonoaudiológica. Os pacientes foram reavaliados imediatamente após a intervenção e novamente após 30 dias. A melhora no tempo de fonação, movimento velar e outras medidas de disartria foram mais significativas no S1. De acordo com os parâmetros da análise acústica de fonte glótica, a melhora nas medidas de frequência e Jitter, Shimmer e ruído foi maior no S2 tanto na avaliação pós-intervenção imediata quanto na avaliação 30 dias pós-intervenção, seguida por S1 na avaliação pós-intervenção imediata. S1 apresentou melhores resultados na avaliação perceptivo-auditiva de fala e voz, enquanto S2 obteve melhores escores na análise acústica. Esses achados sugerem que a terapia fonoaudiológica convencional associada à ETCC tem um impacto mais significativo na fala e voz do que a ETCC isolada, demonstrando o potencial da ETCC como tratamento complementar para pacientes com DP.

ABSTRACT This study describes the results of two different interventions for dysarthria in Parkinson's disease (PD). It concerns two male patients with PD and hypokinetic dysarthria who underwent speech and voice assessment. The first (S1) received ten 20-minute sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), while the second (S2) received ten 20-minute sessions of tDCS as well as speech therapy. The patients were re-evaluated immediately after the intervention and again after 30 days. Improvements in phonation time, velar movement, and other measures of dysarthria were more significant in S1. According to the acoustic analysis source parameters, improvements in the frequency measurements and Jitter, Shimmer, and noise measurements were greater in S2 in both the immediate post-intervention and 30-day postintervention assessments, followed by S1 in the immediate post-intervention assessment. S1 showed better results in the auditory-perceptual evaluation of speech and voice, whereas S2 obtained better scores in acoustic analysis. These findings suggest that conventional speech therapy combined with tDCS has a more significant impact on speech and voice than tDCS alone, demonstrating the potential of tDCS as an adjuvant treatment for patients with PD.

Finger Kazoo Intensive Short-term Vocal Therapy: Vocal and Aerodynamic Measurements in Female Teachers.

OBJECTIVE: to verify the effect after short-term intensive therapy with the Finger Kazoo technique on vocal and aerodynamic measures of dysphonic female teachers. METHOD: blind randomized clinical trial. Fifteen female teachers without structural disorders of vocal folds and nine with vocal nodules participated in the study groups. Yet, nine female teachers without structural disorders and eight with vocal nodules in the control groups. The following variables were measured pre and post-therapy: minimum and maximum fundamental frequency: forced vital capacity; simple phonic coefficient; compound phonic coefficient; ratio between maximum phonation time of /a/ and expected maximum phonation time. RESULTS: no statistical significance was observed in the intra and intergroup analyses in any of the measures. CONCLUSION: in this group of female teachers, it was not possible to show a positive effect of short-term and intensive therapy with the Finger Kazoo technique on the vocal measures of minimum and maximum fundamental frequency, forced vital capacity, simple phonic coefficient, compound phonic coefficient, and the relationship between maximum phonation time of /a/ and expected maximum phonation time.

Effect of pompage on pain, disability and craniocervical position of female teachers - Randomized clinical trial / Efeito da pompage sobre a dor, incapacidade e postura craniocervical de professoras - Ensaio clínico randomizado

Abstract Introduction: Education professionals are one of the most important occupational groups and represents one of the main parts of the economy of modern society. The vocal demands most mentioned by the teachers are talking while standing up, talking a lot and in a closed environment, which corresponds to the most frequent situations encountered in teaching. In addition, remaining in the standing position for a prolonged period may have repercussions on other systems and generate postural deviations, pain and reduced functionality. Objective: To verify changes in pressure pain threshold, in disability index and in craniocervical posture of female teachers with vocal and musculoskeletal complaints, and with normal larynx, after myofascial release - pompage. Methods: This study was a controlled and randomized clinical trial. The following procedures were performed: anamnesis, videolaryngoscopy, hearing screening, clinical and photogrammetric postural assessment using the SAPo® protocol, completion of the neck pain self-assessment protocol Neck Disability Index, and pain threshold in the cervical muscles using the Pain Pressure Threshold. Myofascial therapy with pompage had a total of 24 sessions of 40 min each, three times a week, in 28 teachers assigned to the study group (SG), and 28 to the control group (CG). Afterwards, the groups were reassessed. Results: The SG presented a significant improvement in the pain threshold of all the muscles evaluated, in the posture of most of the body segments evaluated, and in the cervical disability. In the CG there was a significant improvement in angle A2 after therapy. Conclusion: After myofascial release therapy with pompage, the subjects presented a reduction in cervical pain and in functional disability, an increase in pain threshold, and posture improvement.

Resumo Introdução: Os profissionais da educação são um dos grupos ocupacionais mais importantes e representam uma das principais partes da economia da sociedade moderna. As demandas vocais mais citadas pelos professores são falar em pé, falar muito e em ambiente fechado, correspondendo às situações mais frequentes encontradas no ensino. Além disso, a permanência prolongada na posição ortostática pode repercutir em outros sistemas e gerar desvios posturais, dor e redução da funcionalidade. Objetivo: Verificar alterações no limiar de dor à pressão no índice de incapacidade e na postura craniocervical de professoras com queixas vocais e osteomusculares e com laringe normal, após liberação miofascial - pompage. Métodos: Ensaio clínico controlado e randomizado. Foram realizados anamnese, videolaringoscopia, triagem auditiva, avaliação postural clínica e fotogramétrica por meio do protocolo SAPo®, preenchimento do protocolo de autoavaliação de dor cervical Neck Disability Index e limiar de dor nos músculos cervicais por meio do Pain Pressure Threshold. A terapia miofascial com pompage teve um total de 24 sessões de 40 minutos cada, três vezes por semana, em 28 professoras do grupo estudo (GE) e 28 do grupo controle (GC). Em seguida, os grupos foram reavaliados. Resultados: O GE apresentou melhora significativa no limiar de dor de todos os músculos avaliados, na postura da maioria dos segmentos corporais avaliados e na incapacidade cervical. No GC houve melhora significativa no ângulo A2. Conclusão: Após terapia de liberação miofascial com pompage, os sujeitos apresentaram redução da dor cervical e da incapacidade funcional, aumento no limiar de dor e melhora da postura.

Acoustic Measures of Brazilian Transgender Women's Voices: A Case-Control Study.

Objective: This study aims to compare the acoustic vocal analysis results of a group of transgender women relative to those of cisgender women. Methods: Thirty transgender women between the ages of 19 and 52 years old participated in the study. The control group was composed of 31 cisgender women between the ages of 20 and 48 years old. A standardized questionnaire was administered to collect general patient data to better characterize the participants. The vowel /a/ sounds of all participants were collected and analyzed by the Multi-Dimensional Voice Program advanced system. Results: Statistically significant differences between cisgender and transgender women were found on 14 measures: fundamental frequency, maximum fundamental frequency, minimum fundamental frequency, standard deviation of fundamental frequency, absolute jitter, percentage or relative jitter, fundamental frequency relative average perturbation, fundamental frequency perturbation quotient, smoothed fundamental frequency perturbation quotient, fundamental frequency variation, absolute shimmer, relative shimmer, voice turbulence index (lower values in the cases), and soft phonation index (higher values in the cases). The mean fundamental frequency value was 159.046 Hz for the cases and 192.435 Hz for the controls. Conclusion: Through glottal adaptations, the group of transgender women managed to feminize their voices, presenting voices that were less aperiodic and softer than those of cisgender women.

Characteristics of the Voice of Dysphonic School Children from 4:0 to 7:11 Years Old.

BACKGROUND: Childhood dysphonia is frequent and has many origins, with the most common initial symptom being the altered vocal quality. OBJECTIVE: Describe and correlate the auditory-perceptual and acoustic characteristics of the voice, and the maximum phonation time (MPT), of dysphonic schoolchildren from private and public schools from 4:0 to 7:11 years old, female and male. METHODS: MPT, acoustic (Multi-Dimensional Voice Program Advanced and Real Time Spectrogram), and auditory-perceptual (Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice) evaluations of 115 schoolchildren were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Auditory-perceptual parameters values were classified as mild, and MPT values were reduced, in most children. Fundamental frequency and Jitt values decreased significantly with age; MPT/i/ increased significantly with age. Relative average perturbation, voice turbulence index (VTI), and number of sub-harmonic segments values were significantly higher in 4:0 years old children. The number of unvoiced segments was higher in 6:0 years old children. Shimmer percent was higher in 7:0 years old children. There were negative correlations between the high frequency spectrographic tracing color intensity and the vocal strain; the VTI and the MPT; the degree of unvoiced segments and the MPT. There was a positive correlation between the smoothed pitch period perturbation quotient and the roughness. CONCLUSION: In dysphonic schoolchildren, auditory-perceptual parameters were moderate, MPT was reduced, several acoustic parameters were altered, and these vocal characteristics improved with age.

Acoustic Measurements of the Glottic Source of Female Teachers With Dysphonia.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the acoustic measurements of glottic source of dysphonic teachers of a medium-sized municipality of interior of the state. METHODS: Retrospective, cross-sectional, and quantitative study, with a composite sample of 34 dysphonic teachers, of which 21 teachers without laryngeal affections and 13 with laryngeal affections, mean age 39.1 years old and 39.5 years old, respectively. Glottic source acoustic analysis was performed with the Multi-Dimensional Voice Program Advanced. The data were analyzed statistically to verify the significance of each acoustic measure between the groups (with laryngeal affection, without laryngeal affection, and total) and in relation to the normality proposed by the software. RESULTS: In the three conditions (groups with and without affection and total) the means were statistically below normality in the measurements of maximum and minimum fundamental frequency. In the group without affection, frequency, and noise measurements presented above normality. In both groups, measurements of frequency, noise, and subharmonic segments were above normal, and number of voice breaks below normal. CONCLUSION: Acoustic parameters outside the normal pattern showed an aperiodic vocal production, with presence of noise and instability in the vocal signal, in dysphonic teachers with or without alteration at the laryngeal level.

Singing Style, Vocal Habits, and General Health of Professional Singers

Introduction: For the singer, the voice is a medium used to express feelings that capture the listener. Every singing style has specific demands, and a vocal alteration may prevent the singer from meeting them. Objective: To compare the singing style, the vocal habits, and the general health data of professional singers. Methods: Cross-sectional, quantitative and retrospective study of a survey database. Data on the singing style, the vocal habits, and the health conditions and history of 57 professional singers, 31 female singers and 26 male singers, aged from 19 to 57 years old (average of 32 years old), from a mid-sized town were analyzed. Results: There was a prevalence of female (54 ± 2%) popular singers (91 ± 2%), in the adult age (51 ± 2%), nonsmokers (89 ± 2%), nonusers of alcohol (77 ± 2%), with respiratory problems (53 ± 2%), mainly rhinitis (23 ± 2%), and without other health problems. There was a significant use of alcohol in males ( p = 0.010); among the alcohol users, there was a significant presence of respiratory problems ( p = 0.046), of pharyngitis/tonsillitis ( p = 0.003), and of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) ( p = 0.043); there was a significant presence of GER in subjects reporting endocrine problems ( p = 0.023), of gastritis ( p = 0.023), and of pharyngitis/tonsillitis ( p = 0.030). Conclusion: There was a predominance of adult professional popular female singers, with complaints of respiratory issues (with a higher prevalence of rhinitis), without other general health issues, of nonsmokers, and of nonusers of alcohol (AU)

Glottal Closure in Women with No Voice Complaints or Laryngeal Disorders

Introduction: The understanding of normal vocal production is essential to guide any voice professional as it is fundamental to understand the effects of the posterior glottal gap on the vocal quality. Objective: The aim of the present study was to verify the association between glottic closure, acoustic parameters, and some characteristics of the videolaryngostroboscopy of young women without vocal complaints nor laryngeal disorders. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with 56 women between 20 and 30 years old who underwent videolaryngostroboscopy. The acoustic parameters of the vowel /a:/ were analyzed using the Praat software, Release 4.6.10 (Paul Boersman and David Weenik, Amsterdam, Netherlands). Statistical Analysis: The chi-squared, Fischer, and Kruskall-Wallis tests were applied, with 5% significance. Results: Significant occurrence of posterior glottal gap (85.71%, p < 0.001), of normal vocal folds vibration amplitude (82.14%, p < 0.001), and of absence of significant constriction of the laryngeal vestibule (98.21%, p < 0.001); no significant association of the glottic closure with the vocal acoustic parameters; no significant association of glottic closure, vocal folds vibration amplitude, and constriction of the laryngeal vestibule. Conclusion: There was a predominance of posterior glottal gap, normal vocal folds vibration amplitude, and absence of laryngeal vestibule constriction, and no relation with the acoustic parameters, suggesting that the posterior glottal gap did not generate impact on the vocal production of the young adult women studied (AU)

Glottal Closure in Women with No Voice Complaints or Laryngeal Disorders.

Introduction The understanding of normal vocal production is essential to guide any voice professional as it is fundamental to understand the effects of the posterior glottal gap on the vocal quality. Objective The aim of the present study was to verify the association between glottic closure, acoustic parameters, and some characteristics of the videolaryngostroboscopy of young women without vocal complaints nor laryngeal disorders. Methods This is a cross-sectional study with 56 women between 20 and 30 years old who underwent videolaryngostroboscopy. The acoustic parameters of the vowel /a:/ were analyzed using the Praat software, Release 4.6.10 (Paul Boersman and David Weenik, Amsterdam, Netherlands). Statistical Analysis The chi-squared, Fischer, and Kruskall-Wallis tests were applied, with 5% significance. Results Significant occurrence of posterior glottal gap (85.71%, p < 0.001), of normal vocal folds vibration amplitude (82.14%, p < 0.001), and of absence of significant constriction of the laryngeal vestibule (98.21%, p < 0.001); no significant association of the glottic closure with the vocal acoustic parameters; no significant association of glottic closure, vocal folds vibration amplitude, and constriction of the laryngeal vestibule. Conclusion There was a predominance of posterior glottal gap, normal vocal folds vibration amplitude, and absence of laryngeal vestibule constriction, and no relation with the acoustic parameters, suggesting that the posterior glottal gap did not generate impact on the vocal production of the young adult women studied.

Singing Style, Vocal Habits, and General Health of Professional Singers.

Introduction For the singer, the voice is a medium used to express feelings that capture the listener. Every singing style has specific demands, and a vocal alteration may prevent the singer from meeting them. Objective To compare the singing style, the vocal habits, and the general health data of professional singers. Methods Cross-sectional, quantitative and retrospective study of a survey database. Data on the singing style, the vocal habits, and the health conditions and history of 57 professional singers, 31 female singers and 26 male singers, aged from 19 to 57 years old (average of 32 years old), from a mid-sized town were analyzed Results There was a prevalence of female (54 ± 2%) popular singers (91 ± 2%), in the adult age (51 ± 2%), nonsmokers (89 ± 2%), nonusers of alcohol (77 ± 2%), with respiratory problems (53 ± 2%), mainly rhinitis (23 ± 2%), and without other health problems. There was a significant use of alcohol in males ( p = 0.010); among the alcohol users, there was a significant presence of respiratory problems ( p = 0.046), of pharyngitis/tonsillitis ( p = 0.003), and of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) ( p = 0.043); there was a significant presence of GER in subjects reporting endocrine problems ( p = 0.023), of gastritis ( p = 0.023), and of pharyngitis/tonsillitis ( p = 0.030). Conclusion There was a predominance of adult professional popular female singers, with complaints of respiratory issues (with a higher prevalence of rhinitis), without other general health issues, of nonsmokers, and of nonusers of alcohol.

Acoustic Voice Modifications in Individuals with Parkinson Disease Submitted to Deep Brain Stimulation.

Introduction Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) improves motor function in individuals with Parkinson disease (PD). The evidence about the effects of STN-DBS on the voice is still inconclusive. Objective To verify the effect of STN-DBS on the voice of Brazilian individuals with PD. Methods Sixteen participants were evaluated on the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale-Part III, and by the measurement of the acoustic modifications in on and off conditions of stimulation. Results The motor symptoms showed significant improvement with STN-DBS on. Regarding the acoustic measures of the voice, only the maximum fundamental frequency (fhi) showed a statistical difference between on- and off-conditions, with reduction in off-condition. Conclusion Changes in computerized acoustic measures are more valuable when interpreted in conjunction with changes in other measures. The single finding in fhi suggests that DBS-STN increases vocal instability. The interpretation of this result should be done carefully, since it may not be of great value if other measures that also indicate instability are not significantly different.

Capacidade vital forçada e pressões respiratórias máximas de cantores populares profissionais / Forced vital capacity and maximal respiratory pressure of popular professional singers

Objetivo: Descrever valores de Capacidade Vital Forçada (CVF), Pressão Inspiratória Máxima (PImáx) e Pressão Expiratória Máxima (PEmáx) em cantores profissionais populares de um município de interior de estado e compará-los com os valores preditos pela literatura. Métodos: Pesquisa quantitativa e retrospectiva, com 18 cantores profissionais populares, com média de idade de 36,6 anos. Foi medida a CVF por meio de espirômetro portátil digital e as pressões respiratórias máximas com manovacuômetro digital. Resultados: Não houve significância estatística entre os três grupos, quanto aos valores preditos, medidos e as diferenças de CVF. Quanto à Pimáx, apenas houve significância entre valores preditos e medidos no grupo de cantoras (p = 0,026); nos grupos masculinos não houve significância (p = 0,121; p = 0,715); e também não houve nas diferenças entre valores preditos e medidos. Nas PEmáx, não houve significância estatística entre valores preditos e medidos nos três grupos e nas diferenças entre os três grupos. Conclusão: A CVF e PEmáx se apresentaram dentro da normalidade prevista nos três grupos estudados, com exceção do grupo de cantoras, em que os valores medidos de PImáx foram menores do que os valores preditos. (AU)

Objective: To describe the values of Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) and Maximal Expiratory Pressure (MEP) in popular professional singers of a country town of a state; and to compare them with values predicted by literature. Methods: Quantitative and retrospective research, with 18 popular professional singers, average of 36.61 years old. The FVC was collected using a portable digital spirometer and the maximal respiratory pressure with a digital manovacuometer. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the three groups, for predicted, measured values and differences for FVC. Concerning MIP, there was only significance between predicted and measured values in the singer group (p = 0.026); in the male groups there was no significance (p = 0.121, p = 0.715); and there were no differences between predicted and measured values. In the MEP, there was no statistical significance between predicted and measured values in the three groups and in the differences between the three groups. Conclusion: The FVC and MEP presented within expected normality in the three groups studied, except for the group of female singers, in which the measured values of MIP were lower than the predicted values. (AU)

Auditory-Perceptual Characteristics of the Voice of Nondysphonic School Children From 8:0 to 10:0 Years Old.

OBJECTIVE: Describe and correlate the auditory-perceptual characteristics of the voice of nondysphonic school children from private and public schools from 8:0 to 10:0 years old, female and male. METHODS: Cross-sectional, quantitative and retrospective study of students from schools in a small city. Auditory-perceptual evaluations of 154 nondysphonic students were analyzed. Where considered nondysphonic those presenting overall severity bellow 34 mm using Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice. RESULTS: There was significantly higher strain in girls; significant positive correlation between age and the parameters overall severity, breathiness, and strain; significant differences in the mean values of the vocal parameters, with more evident roughness and breathiness in girls and breathiness in boys; in children from 8:0 to 9:0 years, all parameters were positively correlated; in children from 9:1 to 10:0 years, all vocal parameters except roughness increased and positive correlations became stronger. CONCLUSIONS: The strain was higher in girls; roughness, and breathiness were higher in girls, and breathiness was higher in boys. As age increased, all vocal parameters except roughness increased, and positive correlations became stronger.

Acoustic voice modifications in individuals with Parkinson disease submitted to deep brain stimulation

Introduction: Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) improvesmotor function in individuals with Parkinson disease (PD). The evidence about the effects of STN-DBS on the voice is still inconclusive. Objective: To verify the effect of STN-DBS on the voice of Brazilian individuals with PD. Methods: Sixteen participants were evaluated on the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale-Part III, and by the measurement of the acoustic modifications in on and off conditions of stimulation. Results: The motor symptoms showed significant improvement with STN-DBS on. Regarding the acoustic measures of the voice, only the maximum fundamental frequency (fhi) showed a statistical difference between on- and off-conditions, with reduction in off-condition. Conclusion: Changes in computerized acoustic measures are more valuable when interpreted in conjunction with changes in other measures. The single finding in fhi suggests that DBS-STN increases vocal instability. The interpretation of this result should be done carefully, since it may not be of great value if other measures that also indicate instability are not significantly different (AU)

Terapia breve intensiva com fonação em tubo de vidro imerso em água: estudo de casos masculinos / Intensive short-term therapy with phonation into a glass tube immersed in water: male case studies

RESUMO Trata-se de um estudo de casos de três homens com 25, 39 e 40 anos de idade, avaliados antes e após dez sessões consecutivas de fonação em tubo de vidro imerso em água. O objetivo foi descrever os resultados vocais da terapia breve intensiva com fonação em tubo de vidro imerso em água, em três homens sem afecções laríngeas e com queixas vocais. Em dois sujeitos, a maioria das medidas de fonte glótica melhorou, mas sem entrar na normalidade. Nos três sujeitos, a maioria das medidas de pressão sonora aumentou acima da normalidade; a maioria dos tempos máximos de fonação aumentou, mas sem entrar na normalidade; a diferença entre a média das vogais e a contagem de números permaneceu fora da normalidade; os resultados das relações s/z e ė/e permaneceram ou entraram na normalidade. Os resultados dos questionários de autoavaliação (Perfil de Participação em Atividades Vocais, Escala de Desconforto do Trato Vocal e Autoavaliação do Grau de Quantidade de Fala e Volume de Voz) mostraram que os escores se mantiveram ou pouco mudaram após a terapia. Todos os sujeitos mostraram Pré-contemplação, primeiro estágio, na Escala URICA-Voz. Nos três homens, após terapia breve intensiva com fonação em tubo de vidro imerso em água, houve discreta melhora na maioria das medidas vocais, mas ainda permaneceram alteradas e, na escala URICA-Voz, o grupo se classificou em Pré-Contemplação.

ABSTRACT This is a case study of three men aged 25, 39, and 40 years old, evaluated before and after ten consecutive phonation sessions into a glass tube immersed in water. The objective of this study was to describe the vocal results of intensive short-term therapy with phonation into a glass tube immerse in water in three men without laryngeal disorders and vocal complaints. In two subjects, most glottic source measurements improved, but without becoming normal. In all three subjects, most sound pressure measurements increased above normal; most of the maximum phonation times have increased, but without becoming normal; the difference between vowel average and number count remained outside the normal range; the results of s/z and ė/e ratios remained or entered the normal range. The results of the self-assessment questionnaires (Voice Activity and Participation Profile, Vocal Tract Discomfort Scale, and Talkativeness and Vocal Loudness Self-Assessment Scale) showed that the scores remained or little changed after therapy. All subjects showed pre-contemplation, first stage, on the URICA-Voice Scale. In the three men, after intensive short-term therapy with phonation into a glass tube immerse in water, there was a slight improvement in most vocal measures, but they still remained altered and, on the URICA-Voice scale, the group was classified as Pre-Contemplation.

Maximum phonation times and vital capacity in dysphonic women / Tempos máximos de fonação e capacidade vital de mulheres disfônicas

ABSTRACT Objective: to verify the correlation between vital capacity and maximum phonation times of /ė/ (unvoiced) and /s/, as well as compare and relate them with the professional voice use and age in women with functional or organic-functional dysphonia. Methods: a retrospective research with 524 records of dysphonic patients from a school clinic, including young adult women with a speech-language diagnosis of functional or organic-functional dysphonia based on medical reports. Neurological and psychiatric alterations, previous speech therapy treatment, symptoms of flu or allergies on the day of evaluation, pulmonary disease, organic dysphonia diagnosis, and hearing loss, were excluded. The sample resulted in 14 women with functional dysphonia and 21 with organic-functional dysphonia. Data on professional voice use, as well as results for vital capacity and maximum phonation times were collected. The data were statistically analyzed at a 5% significance level. Results: There was a positive correlation for both groups of dysphonic patients between the maximum phonation times of /ė/ and of /s/, as well as the maximum phonation times of /ė/, /s/, and vital capacity. Higher values for vital capacity and maximum times of /s/ and /ė/ for voice professionals were seen. The maximum phonation times of /ė/ were lower than those of /s/. Conclusion: as the maximum phonation times of /ė/ increased, the maximum phonation times of /s/ and the vital capacity also augmented in both groups, demonstrating the interrelation among these variables; there was no relation with the other variables studied.

RESUMO Objetivo: verificar a correlação entre capacidade vital, tempos máximos de fonação de /ė/ (sem sonorização) e /s/ e comparar e relacionar com o uso profissional da voz e a idade em mulheres com disfonia funcional ou organofuncional. Métodos: pesquisa retrospectiva com 524 registros de disfônicos de uma clínica-escola. Foram incluídas: mulheres adultas jovens, diagnóstico fonoaudiológico de disfonia funcional ou organofuncional, com base no laudo médico. Foram excluídas: alterações neurológicas, psiquiátricas, tratamento fonoaudiológico prévio, quadro gripal ou alérgico no dia das avaliações, doença pulmonar, diagnóstico de disfonia orgânica, perda auditiva. A amostra resultou em 14 mulheres com disfonia funcional e 21 com disfonia organofuncional. Coletaram-se dados sobre e uso profissional da voz e resultados da capacidade vital e dos tempos máximos de fonação. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: correlação positiva para ambos os grupos de disfônicas entre: tempo máximo de fonação de /ė/ e tempo máximo de fonação de /s/; e entre tempo máximo de fonação de /ė/, /s/ e capacidade vital. Maiores valores de capacidade vital, tempo máximo de /s/ e /ė/ nas profissionais da voz. Os valores de tempo máximo de fonação de /ė/ foram menores do que /s/. Conclusão: à medida que o tempo máximo de fonação de /ė/ aumentou, o tempo máximo de fonação de /s/ e a capacidade vital também aumentaram em ambos os grupos, evidenciando a inter-relação entre essas variáveis; não havendo relação com as demais variáveis estudadas.