RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Effective vocalization is dependent on breathing efficiency. Previous studies have reported the efficacy of Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise (DBE) on the respiratory muscles and breath control of vocalists. There is a paucity of data on the effects of DBE on their vocal sustenance (VS), which is determined as Maximum Phonation Time (MPT). No known published study has considered physiotherapy as influencing voice dynamics amongst vocalists; evaluated the relationship between respiratory functions (Forced Vital Capacity - FVC, Forced Expiratory Volume in one second - FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and Peak Expiratory Flow - PEF) and VS in apparently healthy vocalists. Moreover, literature on the benefits of DBE to vocalists has not considered explicitly this aspect of vocalization skill, VS. METHODS: This is a pre-test - post-test experimental study involving a total of 37 participants (17 males and 20 females) selected by purposive and convenience sampling techniques. The subjects were grouped into DBE and control groups. Spirobank MIR spirometer was used to assess the respiratory function of the singers, while a stopwatch and keyboard were used in assessing the MPT. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS version 21.0. Alpha level set at 0.05. RESULTS: Significant improvement was found in respiratory functions (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF) of the DBE group when pre- and post-test results were compared. The DBE and control groups differed significantly. Respiratory values correlated significantly with the MPT values (FVC - r[p] - 0.416[0.011]; FEV1 - r[p] - 0.416[0.010]; PEF - r[p] - 0.566[0.000]), except for FEV1/FVC - r(p) - 0.248(0.138). Voice category did not correlate with respiratory parameters or MPT. While male singers showed more changes in respiratory function the female singers showed more improvement in MPT. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: DBE can improve respiration and VS (increased MPT). Therefore, it can be recommended for vocalists, and Physiotherapy can be relevant in trainings to improve vocal dynamics.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Despite the increasing emergence of modern facilities, the ancient practice of writing on a teaching board is still common in the teaching profession. Ergonomic guidelines of this practice are required for the prevention of work-related neck musculoskeletal disorders inherent of teachers. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of varying teaching board heights on the activities of the neck muscles. METHODS: Thirty participants (15 males and 15 females) participated in this experimental study. Each performed writing tasks on a teaching board set at five different heights derived from their standing height (SH) [(D 10 = SH minus 10% of SH; Norm H = SH; Sum 10 = SH plus 10% of SH; Sum 20 = SH plus 20% of SH; Sum 25 = SH plus 25% of SH)]. Electromyographic (EMG) activities of both components of the sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius muscles were measured during each task. Asymmetry ratio of right and left muscle components were determined. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: EMG activities of the four muscles as well as their asymmetry ratios significantly (p< 0.01) increased with increasing board heights. CONCLUSION: Teaching board-related tasks have increased possibilities of inducing neck disorders when performed beyond Norm H vertical heights.
Asunto(s)
Músculos del Cuello/fisiología , Postura/fisiología , Adolescente , Electromiografía , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
To evaluate the level of total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and effect of duration of exposure to pollutants in quarry workers, 5 mls of blood sample was collected from participants: 72 male quarry workers exposed to quarry pollutants and 72 unexposed controls. PSA estimations were done using the principle of ELISA. Mean total PSA, free PSA, and free-total PSA ratio levels of quarry workers did not differ from those of controls and was below the cutoff for the risk of prostate diseases. Higher mean total PSA and free PSA were observed in workers exposed for > 3 years compared to the unexposed control and workers exposed for ≤ 3 years. Age-adjusted linear regression indicated significant association (R = 0.515; p < .001) between the duration of exposure and total PSA level in quarry workers. This study suggests that longer duration of exposure to the quarry pollutants may elevate PSA level if precautions are not taken to minimize dose of exposure.