Laryngeal Biomechanics in Middle Eastern Singing

Abstract

We would like to describe the muscle tension patterns observed in Middle Eastern singing and correlate these findings with demographic data. A total of 42 candidates were included in this study. The medical charts and video records of their fiberoptic nasopharyngeal laryngoscopy were reviewed. Demographic information included age, sex, history of smoking, history of reflux, history of voice overuse/abuse, status in singing (professional vs. amateur), and style of singing (classical vs pop). Each frame was analyzed for each of the four muscle tension patterns (MTPs): MTP I, MTP II, MTP III, and MTP IV. Nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test was conducted. Twenty-six subjects were professional singers and half sang classical singing. The mean MTP total score for all subjects was 35.58 +/- 21.98% (+/- standard deviation). The highest muscle tension score was obtained for type III pattern followed by type II. There were no statistical differences in the mean MTP total, MTP II, and MTP III scores among the professional singers versus the amateurs. Similar results were obtained when MTP scores were compared by style of singing. The vocal technique and status of singing did not seem to affect the muscle tension score.