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AERODYNAMIC EFFECTS OF VOCAL FUNCTION EXERCISES IN ELDERLY MEN

GORMAN, STEPHEN JOHN
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1037766816

Abstract Details

2002, PhD, University of Cincinnati, Allied Health Sciences : Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Voice therapy can improve the vocal quality of elderly patients with voice problems, but little is known about what happens physiologically. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of the management program known as Vocal Function Exercises (VFEs) on vocal aerodynamics and perceptual quality of voice. The effect of subject physical fitness level on change in VFE time was also considered. There were 24 subjects (19 experimental, 5 control) ages 60-78. The experimental group was subdivided into 3 fitness groups: Sedentary, Active, and Fit. The experimental group performed VFEs twice a day for 12 weeks, while the control group performed them once a week for 12 weeks. Aerodynamic measures of glottal airflow were collected at comfortable, high, and low pitches both before and after the 12-week exercise program. Statistical analysis revealed the Fit and Active subjects did not reach a plateau on the VFEs more quickly than the Sedentary subjects. The Sedentary group did not demonstrate a greater magnitude of change than either the Active or Fit group. For vocal aerodynamics, significant differences occurred between the experimental and control groups for selected measures. A logistic regression analysis revealed minimum flow and subglottal pressure (Psub) to be most sensitive to the effects of the VFEs. Perceptual analysis revealed that those subjects rated the most dysphonic improved their vocal quality, though the extent of change was limited due to the number of subjects with normal/mildly dysphonic voices prior to the exercise program. Interpretation of the aerodynamic results indicated that as a result of performing VFEs, greater vocal fold closure was achieved with a concomitant increase in Psub. Trends gleaned from the nonsignificant results in the aerodynamic measures supported this, particularly because there was no concurrent increase in intensity. Improvement in the VFE times also mirrored the improvement in vocal fold closure. The magnitude of change in the aerodynamic measures between the experimental and control groups might have been greater had the exercises been performed with greater intensity. Greater improvement in perceptual quality could be expected with a more dysphonic group of subjects.
Dr. Linda Lee (Advisor)
144 p.
Health Sciences, Speech Pathology
Aging; Voice Therapy; Aerodynamics; Vocal Function Exercises

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • GORMAN, S. J. (2002). AERODYNAMIC EFFECTS OF VOCAL FUNCTION EXERCISES IN ELDERLY MEN [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1037766816

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • GORMAN, STEPHEN. AERODYNAMIC EFFECTS OF VOCAL FUNCTION EXERCISES IN ELDERLY MEN. 2002. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1037766816.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • GORMAN, STEPHEN. "AERODYNAMIC EFFECTS OF VOCAL FUNCTION EXERCISES IN ELDERLY MEN." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2002. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1037766816

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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