Arytenoid Asymmetry in Relation to Posture, Neck Tension and Glottal Attack in Singers

Abstract

Objectives: To look at the incidence of arytenoid asymmetry in a group of healthy singers and to investigate whether the asymmetry correlates with posture, neck tension and glottal attack. Materials and Method: The medical records and video recordings of 42 singers were reviewed retrospectively. Posture, neck tension and glottal attack were evaluated in relation to arytenoid asymmetry during adduction. Results: The number of singers was 42, with a male-to-female ratio of 2:1. The age range was 16–38 years, with a mean of 24 ± 4.13 years. The total prevalence of arytenoid asymmetry was 50%, with a predominance in males and on the right side. The most common asymmetry was that of the cuneiform cartilages, accounting for 40.5% of the total sample and 81% of the total asymmetries. There was no correlation between arytenoid asymmetry and either posture, neck tension or glottal attack (p = 0.343, 0.489 and 0.945, respectively). Conclusion: One out of 2 singers is likely to have arytenoid asymmetry during adduction. The presence of asymmetry does not correlate with posture, neck tension or glottal attack.