Vocal Warm-up Research Articles

Immediate Effects of Vocal Warm-Up on the Acoustic and Aerodynamic Parameters of Speech-Language Pathology Students

Immediate Effects of Vocal Warm-Up on the Acoustic and Aerodynamic Parameters of Speech-Language Pathology Students

Seconds Under Magnifying Glass – Focus on Pure Intonation

Several books, studies and videos are available on the Internet on the importance and role of singing in schools and choral singing, and on effective ways of learning songs and choral works. As a result of technological progress, MIDI recordings and digital choral parts are available to choirs and choir leaders to facilitate the rehearsal and learning process. However, what on the one hand seems modern and innovative (digital pianos, audio and video recordings, easy and fast communication, streaming, virtual choirs) can have a negative impact on the other. At international conferences and symposiums, it is common to see choirmasters making hand gestures to sound one or more parts, as a kind of attraction to show off solfa singing. It is not always clear, however, what the intelligent use of solmization can do beyond the two-(three-)part singing or vocal warm-up. The following chapters will point out why reading music with a relative system of solfa is beneficial, and why learning to sing a part or a choral work with the help of piano is less supported. Keywords: cent system, overtones, whole tones, relative solfa – absolute solfa, hand-signs, pure intonation.

The Effect of Vocal Warm up and Cool Down Exercises on the Acoustic Characteristics in Speech and Language Pathologists: A Pilot Study

Background and Objectives: This cross-sectional study aims to explore the effect of vocal warm-up and cool-down exercises (VWCE) on the acoustic characteristics of speech and language pathologists (SLPs). Methods: This pilot study was conducted on 18 SLPs. The participants received VWCE for 6 weeks, 3 times per week, every other day. The acoustic characteristics, including jitter, shimmer, and harmonic to noise rat (HNR) were outcome measures. All outcome variables were measured before the exercise program (T0), after the end of the 9th session (T1), and after the end of the 18th session (T2). Results: A significant decrease was observed in jitter after the VWCE at T1 and T2. The shimmer showed significant decreases in T2 compared to T0 (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed in shimmer in T1 compared to T0 and T2. The HNR indicated a significant increase at T2 compared to T0 and T1 (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed in HNR in T1 compared to T0. Conclusion: This pilot study demonstrated that vocal warm-up and cool-down exercises significantly improved the acoustic characteristics in SLPs.

Immediate effects of the semi-occluded bubble mask technique using VocalFeel® device as vocal warm-up in singers

Objective The present study aims at investigating the immediate effects of the Semi-Occluded Bubble Mask Technique (SOBM) performed with the device VocalFeel® as a vocal warm-up in a group of professional singers. Study Design A randomized controlled study was carried out. Methods Forty-four vocally healthy professional singers were randomly divided into two groups on recruitment: an experimental group and a control group. The same vocal warm-up exercise was performed by the experimental group with the SOMB technique and by the control group without semi-occlusion. Self assessments, acoustic analysis and aerodynamic analysis of Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flows (PNIF) and Peak Oral Inspiratory Flows (POIF) were performed. Results Significant improvements after the SOBM technique were detected in the experimental group concerning some acoustic parameters (Jitt%; Shimm%) and aerodynamic measures (PNIF and POIF). No significant improvements after the warm-up exercise were observed in the control group. Significant differences between the experimental and the control group were found for ΔJitt%, ΔShimm%, ΔNHR, ΔPOIF and self assessments. Conclusions The results of the present study support the efficacy of a vocal warm-up performed with the SOBM technique using VocalFeel® device in terms of acoustic quality, aerodynamic measures and perceived phonatory comfort in professional singers.

Glottal Voice Distortions: Nasolaryngoscopic and Spectral Analysis of Anatomophysiologic Changes in Singing Voice.

The distorted voices, commonly called vocal drives in Brazil and in some other South American countries, are vocal ornaments belonging to the aesthetics of popular singing and desired by singers of different styles. The advances in vocal sciences have allowed the demystification of this type of technique in the last four decades, classifying them as glottal, supraglottic or mixed distortions/drives. The interdisciplinary approach in the evaluation of singers who use glottal distortions is fundamental for a broad understanding of the particularities of each case. The present study has as main objective to describe the anatomophysiological and spectral findings of the glottal distortions, identified in the practice of many singers. A sample of three singers in a sung emission with and without vocal distortions was collected. PreSonus® AudioBox Studio One kit was used to record the voice during the nasolaryngoscopic evaluation. The singers underwent vocal warm-up and functional evaluation of the larynx based on two studies on contemporary singers. The singers performed the Snarl Voice and Phaser distortions and both showed particular anatomophysiological behaviors. The larynx was low in the first distortion and the level of the clean voice in the second, with the posterior opening of the glottis in both distortions being observed, with opening of the middle third of the glottis for the first as well. Formants vary according to the vocal tract settings used for the distortions. The glottic distortions present a complex anatomophysiological behavior in their composition, with fundamental participation of the transverse interarytenoid muscle and lateral cricoarytenoids, as well as the the participation of the vocal fold in the frequency break. F3 varied according to the longitudinal length and F4 with the diameter, both being related to the three-dimensional adjustments of the vocal tract.

Vocal Cool-Down In Voice Training: Method and Technical Considerations

Abstract In addition to the artistic aspect of professional voice performance, the sportive aspect is also important. The voices of professional voice actors, who are considered just like an athlete, should be strong, flexible and durable against long-term use. Also called vocal athletes, voice performers need processes such as muscle and skill development, voice warm up and cool down as in the applications expressed as periodization in sports medicine. Vocal training should aim to prepare the student for the stage not only with its artistic aspect but also with its sportive aspect. In the vocal training process, it is important to raise the awareness of the students from the very beginning of the education and to make the sportive discipline a behavior in the name of sustainable professional vocal use. It is unacceptable for a professional athlete to do some warm-up and cool-down movements with random movements or ignorance. The same is true for seeking vocal exercises for the singer.
 Exercise programs structured on a physiological basis both give predictable results, and the singer knows what to do and can ensure the performance. The most important components of the conscious training program that creates vocal periodization are vocal warming-up and cooling-down. Contrary to vocal warm-up exercises, studies on vocal cool-down are not sufficient both in the literature and in vocal training. It is an important necessity to apply vocal cool-down exercises in the same routine for the tissue recovery and to return to the speaking tone after the performance and to achieve tissue recovery under appropriate conditions. Vocal cool-down exercises are basically based on stretching and slowing down. In addition to metabolic effects such as blood flow changes, decreasing the muscle tonus, and removal of metabolites from the tissue; physiological effects such as providing a comfortable low larynx position and relaxation are targeted. Vocal cool-down techniques include semi-occluded vocal tract exercises, descending arpeggios, formant maneuvers, yawn&sigh, and chewing approach. In this study, the literature on vocal cool-down exercises has been reviewed, and ideal cool-down conditions and exercises have been presented in parallel with sports physiology.
 Keywords: Voice Training, Vocal Warm-up Exercises, Vocal Cool-down Exercises, Voice Health, Vocal Performance

THE ANALYSIS OF THE LEARNING PROCESS ON CHOIR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY AT SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL

This study aimed to explore and characterize the extracurricular choir learning activities at SMA Negeri 1 Tondano, with a specific focus on the choir training initiatives implemented to enhance students' creativity in the realm of music. Employing a descriptive qualitative research approach, this study utilized observation, interviews, and documentation as data collection techniques. The research findings revealed that the teachers employed instructional methods including the demonstration, question-and-answer, and exercise techniques. The teachers in charge of the choir extracurricular implemented various strategies such as planning, execution, and assessment. The choir training process encompassed song material preparation, sheet music analysis, and a structured sequence of activities. This sequence commenced with an opening prayer, followed by warm-up exercises incorporating muscle stretching, breathing drills, and vocal warm-ups. Subsequently, students engaged in the practice of analyzed songs, correcting dynamics, vocals, and articulation, while also applying and fortifying expressions and movements in harmony with the song's intended message. The session concluded with advice, motivation, and a closing prayer.

Vocal performance increases rapidly during the dawn chorus in Adelaide’s warbler (Setophaga adelaidae)

Abstract Many songbirds sing intensely during the early morning, resulting in a phenomenon known as the dawn chorus. We tested the hypothesis that male Adelaide’s warblers (Setophaga adelaidae) warm up their voices during the dawn chorus. If warming up the voice is one of the functions of the dawn chorus, we predicted that vocal performance would increase more rapidly during the dawn chorus compared to the rest of the morning and that high song rates during the dawn chorus period contribute to the increase in vocal performance. The performance metrics recovery time, voiced frequency modulation, and unvoiced frequency modulation were low when birds first began singing, increased rapidly during the dawn chorus, and then leveled off or gradually diminished after dawn. These changes are attributable to increasing performance within song types. Reduction in the duration of the silent gap between notes is the primary driver of improved performance during the dawn chorus. Simulations indicated that singing at a high rate during the dawn chorus period increases performance in two of the three performance measures (recovery time and unvoiced frequency modulation) relative to singing at a low rate during this period. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that vocal warm-up is one benefit of participation in the dawn chorus.

Acoustic Analysis of the Influence of Warm-Up on Singing Voice Quality

This article presents the results of research at the frontier of computer signal analysis, music, and medicine and analyzes the influence of vocal warm-ups on singing voice quality. According to the literature, it is assumed that a well-performed warm-up should have a positive effect on the parameters of the singing voice. The goal of the study was to find dependencies between the warm-up and the singing voice quality. The analysis was performed on samples obtained from choral singers. To analyze the influence of the warm-up on the singing voice quality, selected acoustic analysis parameters were calculated for the recorded samples. The analysis of the results for selected parameters showed that warming up of the singing voice can have a positive effect.

Immediate effects of straw phonation in air or water on the laryngeal function and configuration of female speech-language pathology students visualised with strobovideolaryngoscopy: A randomised controlled trial.

A promising way to obtain vocal economy and efficiency is by semi-occluding the vocal tract while phonating. Current knowledge about the immediate effects of semi-occluded vocal tract (SOVT) phonation on the laryngeal function and configuration is based mainly on computer modelling or excised larynges studies. In in vivo SOVT studies, electroglottography (EGG) has been the most commonly used laryngeal outcome, showing contradictory results between studies. Therefore, exploring these aspects by direct visualisation of the human larynx during SOVT phonation using strobovideolaryngoscopy (SVL) is needed. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the immediate effects of straw phonation (SP) in air, SP in 2cm water, and SP in 5cm water (with stirring straws), on the laryngeal function and configuration of a homogeneous group of vocally healthy female speech-language pathology students, visualised with flexible SVL. A randomised controlled trial was used. Fifty-two female speech-language pathology students (mean age: 18.7 years, SD: 0.6) were assigned randomly to one of three experimental groups or a control group: (1) SP in air, (2) SP in 2cm water, (3) SP in 5cm water or (4) [u] phonation with similar soft onset and slightly pursed lips as in SP but without a straw (control group). The participants underwent flexible SVL during habitual [u] phonation, followed by the specific SOVT exercise of their group assignment. All video samples were evaluated randomly and blindly by two experienced investigators using the Voice-Vibratory Assessment with Laryngeal Imaging (VALI) rating form, first independently and then by consensus. Compared to habitual phonation, the vibrational amplitude decreased during SP in 5cm water and SP in 2cm water, being more prominent in the first, more flow-resistant exercise. The mucosal wave also decreased during SP in 5cm water. The anteroposterior (AP) supraglottic compression similarly increased during SP in air, SP in 2cm water, and SP in 5cm water. Further, a rise in mediolateral (ML) compression and a decrease in phase symmetry and regularity were found during SP in 2cm water. A similar decrease in regularity was observed during SP in 5cm water. Both SP in air and SP in water cause positive immediate laryngeal effects for voice training opportunities. More AP supraglottic activity found during each SP exercise might indicate epilarynx narrowing, an economic phenomenon associated with SOVT. Immersing the straw in water additionally diminished the vibrational amplitude, lowering vocal fold impact stress and risk for phonotrauma during the exercise. The decreased regularity of the vibrational cycles during SP in water might be due to the varying back pressure created by the water bubbling. The impact of SP in water on ML supraglottic compression needs further investigation. What is already known on the subject A promising way to obtain vocal economy and efficiency is by semi-occluding the vocal tract while phonating. Current knowledge about the immediate effects of semi-occluded vocal tract (SOVT) phonation on the laryngeal function and configuration is based mainly on computer modelling or excised larynges studies. In in vivo SOVT studies, electroglottography (EGG) has been the most commonly used laryngeal outcome, showing contradictory results between studies. Therefore, exploring these aspects by direct visualisation of the human larynx during SOVT phonation using strobovideolaryngoscopy (SVL) is needed. What this paper adds to existing knowledge Group results of the current study generally support earlier computer modelling and in vivo studies, strengthening the current SOVT knowledge. Both SP in air and SP in water cause positive immediate laryngeal effects for voice training opportunities. More anteroposterior (AP) supraglottic activity found during each SP exercise might indicate epilarynx narrowing, an economic phenomenon associated with SOVT. Immersing the straw in water additionally diminished the vibrational amplitude, lowering vocal fold impact stress and risk for phonotrauma during the exercise. The decreased regularity of the vibrational cycles during SP in water might be due to the varying back pressure created by the water bubbling. The impact of SP in water on ML supraglottic compression needs further investigation. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Current results support that both SP in air and SP in water can be useful exercises in voice training. SP in water has shown the additional gain of lowering the vibrational amplitude during the exercise, hence supporting its appropriateness for vocal warm-ups by minimising vocal fold impact stress and the risk of phonotrauma. In the future, large-scale randomised controlled trials in other subgroups of voice users, including dysphonic patients, are needed to support evidence-based practice. SVL can facilitate the search for individualised training and therapy approaches.

Effect of an online Workplace Vocal Health and Low Stress Levels Promotion Program implemented in a Colombian university during COVID-19 pandemic.

To determine the effect of an online Workplace Vocal Health and Low Stress Levels (WVHLS) Promotion Program implemented in a Colombian university during COVID-19 pandemic. This research was a quasi-experimental study. Twenty-nine professors participated in this study within two groups: (1) intervention group (n=17) or (2) non-intervention group (n=12). Participants in the intervention group took part in four virtual sessions about how to improve vocal health and strategies to reduce stress levels during their homeworking and online classes. Teachers filled in a questionnaire including questions about working conditions, work-related stress, and the voice functioning (including the Vocal Fatigue Index-VFI). They also recorded a voice sample of a sustained vowel on two separate occasions (before and after the follow-up). At the end of the follow-up, there was a tendency to reduce Factor 1 of VFI in the intervention group. Although, all participants had a longer MPT at the end of the study compared with the baseline measures, males in the intervention group had longer MPT compared with other participants. Our results suggest a positive effect of a WVHLS promotion program on reducing vocal fatigue perception measured by means of the Vocal Fatigue Index and improving coordination and control of breathing speech measured MPT. These changes at the end of the follow-up may indicate that holistic programs that include voice care recommendations, breathing exercises, vocal warm-up, cold-down and laryngeal relaxation vocal exercises, and stress management may be beneficial for reducing work-related stress and voice symptoms among professors.

Using Support Reading to raise Reading Fluency in a Grade 9 class taking EFL – An Action Research

This action research explores the use of Supported Reading (SR) to improve the reading proficiency of Grade 9 English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students in an Indonesian context. A class of 16 students were involved in this study conducted over 3 weeks. The intervention addressed the students' ability and reluctance to read or speak in English through a structured SR routine, incorporating various reading practices. The research questions focused on the current state of reading proficiency and the effectiveness of SR as an intervention. Baseline and post-intervention reading tests were conducted, and statistical analysis indicated a significant improvement in students' reading scores. The methodology incorporated elements of language testing, using a reading fluency test with a designed rubric. The intervention included vocal warm-ups, silent reading, word attack drills, echo reading, choral reading, and pair/individual reading activities. The results showed a significant increase in fluency, rhythm, expression, and pronunciation skills among the students. Findings suggest that SR, typically considered for lower grades, is a viable intervention even at the upper grades, serving as a form of spiral progression. The study affirms that SR is relevant and useful for EFL teaching and learning. Recommendations include integrating SR into reading instructions for students and in teacher professional development programs. While SR is commonly used in lower primary for reading fluency, educators facing similar challenges in EFL contexts should consider the use of SR to improve reading proficiency and motivation among students in the upper grades.

Acoustic Effects of the Singing Voice Quality of Untrained Female Singers in Malaysia

Vocal warm-ups are widespread and comprehensive in the singing community. Although it is well recognised and practised by professionals, warm-ups are sometimes bypassed and neglected by singers and voice teachers. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of vocal warm-up on vocal quality through acoustic parameters of jitter (%), shimmer (%), and harmonics-to-noise (HNR [dB]) in two-pitch conditions, A3 (chest register) and C5 (head register), before and after vocal warm-up. Forty untrained female singers were recorded twice while uttering the vowels /a/, /o/, and /i/ in two different pitches: Low—A3 (220.0 Hz) and High—C5 (523.2 Hz) for at least five seconds. A standardised warm-up protocol with a duration of 20-minute was carried out in this study. The subjects were recorded immediately before and after a 20-minute vocal warm-up session. Significant improvements were found in the mean values of measured acoustic parameters. A decrease was observed compared with the mean jitter and shimmer values before and after a vocal warm-up, while the HNR increased. All the acoustic variables, jitter, shimmer, and HNR were found to have significantly larger improvements in the lower pitch, A3 (chest register), compared to the higher pitch, C5 (head register). The findings of this study provided empirical evidence for the beneficial effect of vocal warm-up on the voice quality of untrained female singers. The positive effects of the findings indicated that the vocal warm-up should be encouraged and not bypassed.

Voice Quality of Choir Singers and the Effect of a Performance on the Voice

The voice use of choir singers is understudied despite the imbalance of high vocal demands versus low vocal education, and consequently increased risk for voice problems. Also, there is a lack of information on the effects of a performance on choristers' voices. Available studies included performances of at least one hour. To date, no studies investigated the effects of a choir performance with a duration resembling vocal warm-ups. The first purpose of this study was to determine the voice quality, capacities, symptoms and voice-related quality of life of choir singers. Secondly, the effect of a short choir performance, resembling warm-up duration (15 minutes), on the choristers' voices was investigated. A randomized controlled trial was used. Thirty adult choir singers (25 women, 5 men; mean age: 32 years) were assigned randomly to an experimental group or a control group. Participants in the experimental group sung in choir for 15 minutes immediately after their pre voice assessment, whereas the control group was instructed to have standard voice use (one-on-one conversation with the investigator, no singing) across that time span. A second voice assessment was repeated afterwards. The choir singers showed excellent voice quality and capacities with mean scores on the Dysphonia Severity Index and Acoustic Voice Quality Index of 7.5 and 2.0, respectively. Auditory-perceptually, the mean grade score was 5/100 corresponding with a normal to mildly deviant voice quality. Patient-reported outcome measures showed mean deviant scores, indicating a considerable singing voice handicap. The choir singers seem vulnerable for stress with a high occurrence rate of 76.7% (23/30). Compared with the control group, the Dysphonia Severity Index significantly improved, whereas the self-perceived presence of vocal fatigue and complaints increased after 15 minutes of choir singing. Fundamental frequency increased in both groups, being more outspoken in the experimental group. Choir singers show excellent voice quality and capacities, that further improve after a short choir performance of 15 minutes. Vocal fatigue and complaints, on the other hand, already increased after that short time span. Realizing that vocal load is much higher in real-life rehearsals, competitions and performances, choristers deserve and need a qualitative voice training and a strict follow-up. Future research should focus on effective vocal warm-up and cool-down programs for this population.

Effects of Choir Singing on Mental Health: Results of an Online Cross-sectional Study

The study aims to quantify the impact of sociodemographic, personal, and choir-related characteristics on perceived singing well-being and mental health changes due to singing. 847 German adult choristers (233m, 614f, age 18-86 years) were interviewed in a cross-sectional online questionnaire study that included questions on singing well-being, vocal and choral characteristics, the adapted versions of the Bochum change questionnaire (BCQ2000), the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-09), and the WHO-5 well-being index. Multiple regression models were calculated with singing related well-being or mental health changes as dependent variables and individual and choir-related characteristics as factors. Predictors of mental health benefits were analyzed in gender subgroups and in persons with a low or normal/high score on the WHO-5. On average, participants rated the impact of singing on well-being and mental health changes positively. Subgroup analysis revealed smaller but significant positive mental health effects in men compared to women and in persons with a low WHO-5 score compared to those with a normal/high score. Education level and relationship status were not significantly related to subjects' perceptions of mental health benefits, whereas singing well-being increased with age in women and in participants with a low WHO-5 score. Larger improvements in mental health came along with longer choir membership, more singing hours per week, and a high engagement in choral activity. Significant positive associations of well-being with optimal singing behavior and vocal warm-ups were observed. Results suggest that singers of all ages, genders, and educational backgrounds perceive the choral experience as beneficial to their well-being and mental health. Positive effects are related to WHO-5 scores, engagement in choral activity, and optimal singing conditions. On average, women rate singing benefits higher than men and singers with preexisting vocal pathologies or low WHO-5 benefit slightly less.

The Effect of Water Resistance Therapy on the Impulse Dispersion of Aerosols During Sustained Phonation

IntroductionGroup singing has been associated with higher transmission risks via exhaled and spread aerosols in the CoVID19 pandemic. For this reason, many musical activities, such as rehearsals and lessons, but also voice therapy sessions, have been restricted in many countries. Consequently, transmission risks and pathways have been studied, such as aerosol amounts generated by exhalation tasks, convectional flows in rooms, or the impulse dispersion of different kinds of phonation. The use of water resistance exercises such as those utilizing LAX VOX®, are common in voice lessons and as vocal warm-ups. With this context, this study investigates the impulse dispersion characteristics of aerosols during a voiced water resistance exercise in comparison to normal singing.MethodsTwelve professional singers (six male, six female) were asked to phonate a stable pitch through a silicone tube into a bottle filled with water, holding the end of the tube 5 cm below the surface. Before performing the tasks, the singers inhaled the vapor consisting of 0.5 L base liquid from an e-cigarette. The exhaled gas cloud coming out of the bottle was recorded in all three spatial directions and the dispersion was measured as a function of time.ResultsAt the end of the phonation task, the median distance to the front was 0.55 m and the median of the lateral expansion of the cloud was 0.89 m, the maximum to the front reached 0.88 m, and the maximum of lateral expansion 1.05 m. For the upwards direction of the clouds a median of 1.00 m and a maximum of 1.34 m from the mouth were measured. Three seconds after the end of the task, the medians were declining.ConclusionThe exhaled aerosol cloud can expand despite the obstacle of the water when using LAX VOX® during phonation.

Effects of warm-up exercises on self-assessed vocal effort

Purpose An elevated sense of vocal effort due to increased vocal demand is frequently reported by patients with voice disorders. However, effects of vocal warm-up on self-assessed vocal effort have not been thoroughly examined. A recently developed version of the Borg CR-10 Scale facilitates vocal effort assessments, following different vocal warm-up tasks. Methods Effects of a short (5 min) vocal warm-up on self-assessed vocal effort was evaluated using the Borg CR-10. Twenty-six vocally healthy participants (13F, 13M, mean age 22.6), in two randomised groups, underwent sessions of either reading aloud or semi-occluded vocal tract exercises (SOVTE). Vocal effort was evaluated at four times: pre to post vocal warm-up and two silence periods. Non-parametric analyses for repeated measures and calculations for within-subject standard deviation were applied in group comparisons. Results Following vocal warm-up, vocal effort ratings were increased to a statistically significant degree in both intervention groups compared to baseline ratings. After a 5-min rest in silence following completion of the vocal warm-up, vocal effort ratings returned to baseline levels in both groups. The drop in ratings immediately post warm-up compared to 5 min later was statistically significant for the SOVTE group. Conclusions Five minutes of vocal warm-up caused increased self-perceived vocal effort in vocally healthy individuals. The increased sense of effort dissipated faster following warm-up for the SOVTE group. When using the Borg CR-10 scale to track vocal effort, it may be beneficial to apply experience-based anchors.

The Effect of Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract Exercise (SOVTE) and Traditional Vocal Warm-up (TVW) on the Vocal Quality of Untrained Female Singers in Malaysia: A Comparison

Vocal warm-up has garnered much research attention these recent years. This study compared the short-term effects of straw phonation (SP) with a traditional vocal warm-up (TVW) on the vocal quality of untrained female singers. It also determined the effect of exercise type on the vocal economy and skill acquisition. Vocal quality was measured using voice range profile (VRP), multi-parametric index, acoustic, and aerodynamic parameters. Eighty participants were randomly recruited and divided into two equal groups to perform vocal warm-ups at a frequency of two 10-minute sessions per day for three weeks. Voice data were collected using Praat and Vocalgrama software, while the statistical results were analysed using Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS). As a result, some parameters, i.e., fundamental frequency maximum (F0-max), maximum intensity (max Int) and area of VRP, fundamental frequency (F0), jitter, shimmer, harmonics-to-noise ratio (HNR), and dysphonia severity index (DSI), projected significant changes after three weeks of warming up exercise in TVW group. In the SP group, the participants experienced significant changes in max Int and area of VRP only. Both groups did not exert significant changes to min Int, which indirectly measures phonation threshold pressure (PTP), signifying no improvement for the vocal economy. Participants from the TVW group benefitted the most from vocal warm-ups due to notable improvement in vocal quality, technical singing skills (i.e., skill acquisition), and vocal efficiency. Meanwhile, the SP group only benefitted in terms of enhanced vocal efficiency. Acoustic parameters, aerodynamic, dysphonia severity index, semi-occluded vocal tract exercise, traditional vocal warm-up, vocal quality, voice range profile

Choral Conductors Vocal Loading in Rehearsal Simulation Conditions

Choir conductors represent a profession with an intensive vocal load. The present study aims to investigate the impact of 40 minutes vocal loading tasks on fundamental frequency (F0), jitter (Jitt), shimmer (Shim), median cepstral peak prominence (CPPs), and CPPs standard deviation in specific acoustic conditions. Eighteen amateur choir conductors (13 female, five male) participated in the study. The vocal loading experiment was organized in rooms where each conductor usually had choir rehearsals. The vocal loading experiment included vocal warm-up, singing, and loud reading. The STIPA test signal provided the background noise with 60 dBA @ 1m during the singing and reading tasks. The F0, Jitt, Shim, CPPs, and CPPs SD were extracted before and after vocal loading by the Vocal Holter Med (VHM) device. Additionally, Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI) was estimated for participants, and all of them completed the Voice Handicap Index-30 (VHI-30) and the Singing Voice Handicap Index (SVHI). Finally, reverberation time (T30) was measured in each rehearsal room. A statistically significant decrease of CPPs SD by 0.1 dB was observed in male conductors. Associations between CPPs SD and VHI-30 (r = 0.789, P = 0.001) were found in female conductors, and between Jitt and SVHI (r = 0.9, P = 0.037) in male conductors. Female conductors with higher total score of SVHI demonstrated increase of postloading F0 (r = 0.612, P = 0.026). Forty-minute vocal loading tasks that included warm-up, intensive singing, and loud reading did not significantly impact vocal parameters in female and male conductors. In addition, the rehearsal room volume and length of reverberation time did not affect obtained vocal parameters after vocal loading.

Performers' Perceptions of Vocal Function During Oral Steroid Treatment of Vocal Fold Edema.

Acute vocal fold edema (VFE) is often a consequence of illness, allergy, or voice overuse, causing dysphonia. Although VFE typically resolves with voice rest and treatment of predisposing causes, oral glucocorticoids are often considered for performers with imminent performance demands. There are limited data about performers' perceptions of vocal change during treatment and how this relates to their ability to perform. This study aims to examine performers' self-perceptions of vocal function with steroid treatment. Fifty-five performers (34 F; 21 M) diagnosed with VFE who chose treatment with a 6-day methylprednisolone taper were prospectively assessed. They completed the Evaluation of the Ability to Sing Easily (EASE) and reported on their voice use, regimen, performance obligations, and ability to perform. Findings were compared between Day 1 and Day 6 using paired t-tests and nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Nearly all subjects completed scheduled performances without interruption. Following treatment, all subscales of the EASE were decreased at Day 6 (Vocal Function 29.78-20.59; Pathologic Risk Indicator 26.60-17.33; Vocal Concerns 6.10-4.20). These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.0001) and greater in subjects with performances scheduled and subjects who consistently completed vocal warmups. These findings demonstrate significant improvement in several facets of performers' self-perception of function. Subjects reported significant improvement in vocal function with oral steroid treatment and were able to meet performance obligations. It remains important that steroids are not prescribed without laryngeal examination. Examination should be repeated when dysphonia persists, recurs swiftly, or when patients seek repeated treatment, as there may be increased risk of adverse outcomes, and continued steroid use may mask underlying chronic pathology that is best treated by other means. 4 Laryngoscope, 132:2434-2441, 2022.