Abstract
SummaryPast studies on the maximum phonation time (MPT) in children have shown different results in duration. This factor may reflect the neuromuscular and aerodynamic control of phonation in patients; such control might be used as an indicator of other evaluation methods on a qualitative and quantitative basis.Aimto verify measures of MPT and voice acoustic characteristics in 23 children aged four to six year and eight months.MethodThe sampling process comprised a questionnaire that was sent to parents, followed by auditory screening and a voice perceptive-auditory assessment based on the R.A.S.A.T. scale. Data collection included the MPT.Studya prospective and cross-sectional study.ResultsThe MPT was 7.42s, 6.35s and 7.19s; as age increased, the MPT also increase significantly; the s/z relation at all ages was close to one.ConclusionsThe results mostly agree with the medical literature. MPT values, however, were higher than in other Brazilian studies. It may be concluded that the ages that were analyzed are going through neuromuscular maturation; lack of structural maturity and neuromuscular control was more evident in chidlren aged four years.
Highlights
An assessment is the starting point for the diagnosis and treatment of any voice disease or for training one’s voice
Considering the speed at which organic and physiological change takes place in children, it is essential for voice professionals to monitor the progression of their patients/clients to adapt their approach towards improved results
/z/ maximum phonation time (MPT) for ages four, five and six years were 5.32 s, 7.30 s and 9.55 s, all within normal limits as defined in the literature, but higher than the results of Brazilian studies and lower than results found in some international papers for these age groups;
Summary
An assessment is the starting point for the diagnosis and treatment of any voice disease or for training one’s voice. The importance of an adequate evaluation continues throughout voice treatment/voice training as a form of measuring possible progression of the patient/ client and in defining the adequate moment for ending clinical treatment. Considering the speed at which organic and physiological change takes place in children, it is essential for voice professionals (speech therapists, otorhinolaryngologists or singing teachers) to monitor the progression of their patients/clients to adapt their approach towards improved results. Various studies to establish normalcy levels for the indices used in voice assessment have been undertaken in the context of voice studies These studies have included establishing the maximum phonation time (MPT), given that this measurement is one of the most common indicators used in clinical voice evaluation; it is measured and is considered an objective acoustic measurement of glottic efficiency. Speech therapists, otorhinolaryngologists and singing teachers may use the MPT as pre-evaluation for other qualitative or quantitative assessments
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