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Many voice disorders are linked to imbalanced muscle activity and known to exhibit asymmetric vocal fold vibration. However, the relation between imbalanced muscle activation and asymmetric vocal fold vibration is not well understood. This study introduces an asymmetric triangular body-cover model of the vocal folds, controlled by the activation of bilateral intrinsic laryngeal muscles, to investigate the effects of muscle imbalance on vocal fold oscillation. Various scenarios were considered, encompassing imbalance in individual muscles and muscle pairs, as well as accounting for asymmetry in lumped element parameters. Measurements of amplitude and phase asymmetries were employed to match the oscillatory behavior of two pathological cases: unilateral paralysis and muscle tension dysphonia. The resulting simulations exhibit muscle imbalance consistent with expectations in the composition of these voice disorders, yielding asymmetries exceeding 30% for paralysis and below 5% for dysphonia. This underscores the relevance of muscle imbalance in representing phonatory scenarios and its potential for characterizing asymmetry in vocal fold vibration.

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PURPOSE: To evaluate the immediate effect of the inspiratory exercise with a booster and a respiratory exerciser on the voice of women without vocal complaints. METHODS: 25 women with no vocal complaints, between 18 and 34 years old, with a score of 1 on the Vocal Disorder Screening Index (ITDV) participated. Data collection was performed before and after performing the inspiratory exercise and consisted of recording the sustained vowel /a/, connected speech and maximum phonatory times (MPT) of vowels, fricative phonemes and counting numbers. In the auditory-perceptual judgment, the Vocal Deviation Scale (VSD) was used to verify the general degree of vocal deviation. Acoustic evaluation was performed using the PRAAT software and the parameters fundamental frequency (f0), jitter, shimmer, harmonium-to-noise ratio (HNR), Cepstral Peak Prominence Smoothed (CPPS), Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI) and Acoustic Breathiness Index (ABI). To measure the aerodynamic measurements, the time of each emission was extracted in the Audacity program. Data were statistically analyzed using the Statistica for Windows software and normality was tested using the Shapiro-Wilk test. To compare the results, Student's and Wilcoxon's t tests were applied, adopting a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the results of the JPA and the acoustic measures, in the pre and post inspiratory exercise moments. As for the aerodynamic measures, it was possible to observe a significant increase in the value of the TMF /s/ (p=0.008). CONCLUSION: There was no change in vocal quality after the inspiratory exercise with stimulator and respiratory exerciser, but an increase in the MPT of the phoneme /s/ was observed after the exercise.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito imediato do exercício inspiratório com incentivador e exercitador respiratório na voz de mulheres sem queixas vocais. MÉTODO: Participaram 25 mulheres sem queixas vocais, entre 18 e 34 anos, com pontuação 1 no Índice de Triagem para Distúrbio Vocal (ITDV). A coleta de dados foi realizada nos momentos antes e após realização de exercício inspiratório e consistiu na gravação de vogal sustentada /a/, fala encadeada e tempos máximos fonatórios (TMF) de vogais, fonemas fricativos e contagem de números. No julgamento perceptivo-auditivo foi utilizada a Escala de Desvio Vocal (EDV) para verificar o grau geral do desvio vocal. Avaliação acústica foi feita no software PRAAT e foram extraídos os parâmetros frequência fundamental (f0), jitter, shimmer, proporção harmônico -ruído (HNR), Cepstral Peak Prominence Smoothed (CPPS), Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI) e Acoustic Breathiness Index (ABI). Para mensuração das medidas aerodinâmicas, o tempo de emissão foi extraído no programa Audacity. Para comparar os resultados utilizou-se o teste paramétrico t de Student para amostras dependentes na análise das variáveis com distribuição normal e o teste de Wilcoxon para variáveis com distribuição não normal. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferenças entre os resultados do JPA e das medidas acústicas, nos momentos pré e pós exercício inspiratório. Quanto às medidas aerodinâmicas foi possível observar aumento significativo no valor do TMF /s/ (p=0,008). CONCLUSÃO: Não houve modificação na qualidade vocal após o exercício inspiratório com incentivador e exercitador respiratório, porém foi observado aumento do TMF do fonema /s/ após a realização do exercício.

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SUMMARY: The thyrohyoid muscle is one of the four infrahyoid muscles. Its role in vocalization and deglutition could be often overlooked, despite its crucial participation in these processes. Unlike other infrahyoid muscles, the thyrohyoid muscle receives innervation from the first cervical spinal nerves which contributes to its unique function. Its primary action involves hyolaryngeal elevation during swallowing, contributing to the opening of the upper esophageal sphincter. In conjunction with other muscles, it also protects the airway and facilitates the passage of food into the esophagus. Variations in the muscle's thickness may exist, and its function can be influenced by chewing habits. Weakened muscles involved in swallowing are often associated with dysphagia, a common complication in stroke and brain-injured patients. Advanced imaging techniques and sleep studies have provided insights into the dynamics and frequency of swallowing. This review explores the anatomic structures, function in action, diagnosis and clinical implications of this muscle. Overall, understanding the significance of the thyrohyoid muscle enhances our comprehension of the intricate interplay of laryngeal muscles during vocalization and deglutition.

El músculo tirohioideo es uno de los cuatro músculos infrahioideos. A menudo podría pasarse por alto su papel en la vocalización y la deglución, a pesar de su participación crucial en estos procesos. A diferencia de otros músculos infrahioideos, el músculo tirohioideo recibe inervación de los primeros nervios espinales cervicales, lo que contribuye a su función única. Su acción principal implica la elevación hiolaríngea durante la deglución, contribuyendo a la apertura del esfínter esofágico superior. Junto con otros músculos, también protege las vías respiratorias y facilita el paso de los alimentos al esófago. Pueden existir variaciones en el grosor del músculo y su función puede verse influenciada por los hábitos de masticación. Los músculos debilitados involucrados en la deglución a menudo se asocian con disfagia, una complicación común en pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular y lesión cerebral. Las técnicas de imagen avanzadas y los estudios del sueño han proporcionado información sobre la dinámica y la frecuencia de la deglución. Esta revisión explora las estructuras anatómicas, la función en acción, el diagnóstico y las implicaciones clínicas de este músculo. En general, comprender la importancia del músculo tirohioideo mejora nuestra comprensión de la intrincada interacción de los músculos laríngeos durante la vocalización y la deglución.

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PURPOSE: Considering the conceptual migration from vocal load and vocal loading to vocal demand and vocal demand response, this review of literature aimed to identify physiological explanations, reported measurements, and associated factors (vocal demands) reported in the literature when considering the phonatory response to a vocal demand. METHODS: A systematic review of literature, following the PRISMA Statement, was conducted using Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. Data were analyzed and presented in two parts. First, a bibliometric analysis, co-occurrence analysis, and content analysis were performed. Three criteria that got article inclusion were defined: (1) written in English, Spanish, and Portuguese; (2) published between 2009 and 2021; and (3) focused on vocal load and loading, vocal demand response, and voice assessment parameters. A total of 54 publications met the criteria and were included in this review. The second part included a conceptual framework based on the content analysis of three aspects of vocal demand response: (1) physiological explanations, (2) reported measurements, and (3) vocal demands. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: As would be expected since vocal demand response is a relatively new term and not yet commonly used in literature when discussing way that the speakers respond to communicative scenarios, most of the studies reviewed (both historical and recent) still use the term of vocal load and vocal loading. Although there is a broad variety of literature discussing a wide range of vocal demands and voice parameters used to characterize the vocal demand response, results show that there is consistency across the studies. While vocal demand response is unique and intrinsic to the talker, associated factors that contribute to this response include both internal talker and external talker factors. Internal factors include muscle stiffness, viscosity in the phonatory system, vocal fold tissue damage, elevated sound pressure levels during occupational voice demands, extended periods of voice use, suboptimal body posture, difficulties in breathing technique, and sleep disturbances. Associated external factors include the working environment (noise, acoustics, temperature, humidity). In conclusion, although vocal demand response is intrinsic to the speaker, the speaker's response is affected by external vocal demands. However, due to the wide methods to evaluate vocal demand response, it has been difficult to establish its contribution to voice disorders in the general population and, specifically, among occupational voice users. This literature review identified commonly reported parameters and factors that may help clinicians and researchers define vocal demand response.

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PURPOSE: To compare the frequency of vocal fold opening variation, analyzed by digital kymography, with the fundamental voice frequency obtained by acoustic analysis, in individuals without laryngeal alteration. METHODS: Observational analytical cross-sectional study. The participants were forty-eight women and 38 men from 18 to 55 years of age. The evaluation was made by voice acoustic analysis, by the habitual emission of the vowel /a/ for 3 seconds, and days of the week, and digital kymography (DKG), by the habitual emission of the vowels /i/ and /ɛ/. The measurements analyzed were acoustic fundamental frequency (f0), extracted by the Computerized Speech Lab (CSL) program, and dominant frequency of the variation of right (R-freq) and left (L-freq) vocal fold opening, obtained through the KIPS image processing program. The mounting of the kymograms consisted in the manual demarcation of the region by vertical lines delimiting width and horizontal lines separating the posterior, middle and anterior thirds of the Rima glottidis. In the statistical analysis, the Anderson-Darling test was used to verify the normality of the sample. The ANOVA and Tukey tests were performed for the comparison of measurements between the groups. For the comparison of age between the groups, the Mann-Whitney test was used. RESULTS: There are no differences between the values of the frequency measurement analyzed by digital kymography, with the acoustic fundamental frequency, in individuals without laryngeal alteration. CONCLUSION: The values of the dominant frequency of the vocal folds opening variation, as assessed by digital kymography, and the acoustic fundamental frequency of the voice are similar, allowing comparison between these measurements in the multidimensional evaluation of the voice, in individuals without laryngeal alteration.

OBJETIVO: Comparar a frequência da variação da abertura das pregas vocais, analisada pela videoquimografia digital, com a frequência fundamental da voz, obtida através da análise acústica, em indivíduos sem alteração laríngea. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo observacional analítico transversal. Participaram 48 mulheres e 38 homens, de 18 a 55 anos. A avaliação foi composta por análise acústica da voz, obtida pela emissão habitual da vogal /a/ durante 3 segundos, e os dias da semana, e pela videoquimografia digital (DKG), obtida pela emissão habitual das vogais /i/ e /ɛ/. As medidas analisadas foram a frequência fundamental acústica (f0), extraída pelo programa Computerized Speech Lab (CSL), e a frequência dominante da variação de abertura da prega vocal direita (D-freq) e esquerda (E-freq), obtidas através do programa de processamento de imagens KIPS. A montagem dos quimogramas constou na demarcação manual da região, compostas por linhas verticais que delimitaram largura da prega vocal e linhas horizontais que marcaram os terços posterior, médio e anterior da rima glótica. Na análise estatística, o teste Anderson-Darling foi utilizado para verificar a normalidade da amostra. Os testes ANOVA e Tukey foram realizados para a comparação das medidas entre os grupos. Para a comparação da idade entre os grupos, foi utilizado o teste Mann-Whitney. RESULTADOS: Não existem diferenças entre os valores da medida de frequência analisada pela videoquimografia digital, com a frequência fundamental acústica, em indivíduos sem alteração laríngea. CONCLUSÃO: Os valores da frequência dominante da variação de abertura das pregas vocais, avaliada pela videoquimografia digital, e a frequência fundamental acústica da voz são similares, permitindo uma comparação entre estas medidas na avaliação multidimensional da voz, em indivíduos sem alteração laríngea.

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PURPOSE: To evaluate the immediate effect of the incentive spirometer on acoustic measures, aerodynamic measures and on the auditory-perceptual assessment of vocal quality in vocally healthy women. METHODS: This is an experimental intra-subject comparison study with the participation of 22 women without vocal complaints. Acoustic measures, aerodynamic measures and auditory-perceptual assessment of vocal quality were obtained before and immediately after using the incentive spirometer by the participants. The device was used in the orthostatic position and the participants performed three sets of ten repetitions with a one-minute interval between sets. RESULTS: After using the incentive spirometer, there was a significant reduction in jitter, shimmer and PPQ (period perturbation quotient) measurements and an increase in maximum expiratory volume, while the other acoustic and aerodynamic measurements were not significantly impacted. In addition, there was improvement in vocal quality in eight (36.4%) participants and 11 (50.0%) participants showed no changes in the auditory perceptual assessment of voice quality after using the incentive spirometer. CONCLUSION: The use of the incentive spirometer is safe and, in its immediate effect, positively impacts the acoustic measures of short-term aperiodicity of frequency and intensity and increases the maximum expiratory volume in women with healthy voices.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito imediato do inspirômetro de incentivo nas medidas acústicas, medidas aerodinâmicas e na avaliação perceptivo-auditiva da qualidade vocal de mulheres com vozes saudáveis. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo experimental de comparação intrassujeito que contou com a participação de 22 mulheres sem queixas vocais. Foram obtidas as medidas acústicas, medidas aerodinâmicas e a avaliação perceptivo-auditiva da qualidade vocal antes e imediatamente após o uso do inspirômetro de incentivo pelas participantes. O dispositivo foi utilizado na posição ortostática, e as participantes realizaram três séries de dez repetições com intervalo de um minuto entre as séries. RESULTADOS: Após uso do inspirômetro de incentivo, observou-se redução significativa nas medidas de jitter, shimmer e PPQ (period perturbation quociente) e aumento do volume expiratório máximo. As demais medidas acústicas e aerodinâmicas não foram impactadas significativamente. Além disso, houve melhora na avaliação perceptivo-auditiva da qualidade vocal em oito (36,4%) participantes, e 11 (50,0%) não apresentaram mudanças após uso do inspirômetro de incentivo. CONCLUSÃO: O uso do inspirômetro de incentivo é seguro e, em seu efeito imediato, promove redução nas medidas acústicas de aperiodicidade a curto prazo, tanto relacionadas à frequência quanto à intensidade, e aumenta o volume expiratório máximo em mulheres com vozes saudáveis.

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PURPOSE: The present study aimed at assessing the efficacy of remote voice therapy (telepractice) implemented with Shaker Medic Plus device in subjects with vocal fatigue. METHOD: Thirty-six participants were initially enrolled in this study. Twenty-four participants with vocal fatigue were finally randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: (a) voice treatment with Shaker Medic Plus device plus vocal hygiene program (n = 12) and (b) voice treatment with water resistance therapy (WRT) plus vocal hygiene program (n = 12). Laryngoscopic assessment was conducted on all subjects. Before and after voice therapy, participants underwent (a) self-assessment of voice: Vocal Fatigue Index and Vocal Tract Discomfort Scale and (b) instrumental assessment with aerodynamic, acoustic, and electroglottographic measures. The treatment period included six voice therapy sessions within 6 weeks. Each session lasted 30 min. For both groups, exercises consisted of a sequence of nine phonatory tasks performed with Shaker Medic Plus (experimental group) and WRT (control group). Comparisons for all variables were performed between the experimental group and control group. RESULTS: Significant improvements were found for self-reported variables when comparing pre- and postmeasures for both groups. No significant differences were found when comparing groups. No significant main effects or interactions were observed for any of the observed instrumental variables. CONCLUSIONS: Remote physiologic voice therapy with Shaker Medic Plus device and water resistance therapy seem to be both effective to improve voice in subjects diagnosed with vocal fatigue. No differences should be expected between these therapeutic protocols when treating patients with vocal fatigue. Moreover, both are effective at reducing tiredness of voice, voice avoidance, physical discomfort associated with voicing, subjective perception of sensory discomfort in throat, and reduction of physical, emotional, and functional impact of voice problems.

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PURPOSE: To analyze and compare the immediate vocal effects of the voiced trill technique in the assessment of acoustic and auditory-perceptual measures of older women with and without self-perceived vocal changes. METHODS: Clinical, quasi-experimental study in older women, aged 60 to 70 years (n=53). A questionnaire on vocal self-perception, voice, and laryngeal assessment was applied, before and after performing the voiced trill technique. Before and during intervals of the technique, sustained vowel samples were collected, totaling four samples. Older women were divided into two groups: one with self-perceived voice changes (n=25), and the other without self-perceived voice changes (n=28). Auditory-perceptual assessments and acoustic analysis were performed. Statistical tests were used to correlate the data: ANOVA Test for repeated measures, Friedman Test, Wilcoxon Test, and Pearson's Chi-Square Test. For all tests, the significance level was set at 5%. RESULTS: There was a predominance of moderate dysphonia in both groups, according to the auditory-perceptual judgment. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the assessment of the auditory-perceptual analysis regarding voice changes (improved, worsened, and unaltered voices) before and after the different technique performance times. Most older women improved their voice after 1 minute of performing the technique. CONCLUSION: Older women often have voice changes when considering the perceptual judgment of the voice. There was no scientific evidence as to the ideal time to obtain a better effect on older women's voices.

OBJETIVO: Analisar e comparar os efeitos vocais imediatos da técnica de sons vibrantes sonoros na avaliação de medidas acústicas e perceptivo-auditivas de idosas com e sem autopercepção de alteração vocal. MÉTODO: Estudo clínico quase experimental, envolvendo 53 idosas com idade entre 60 e 70 anos. Foi aplicado um questionário de autopercepção vocal, avaliação vocal e laríngea, antes e após a realização da técnica vocal com sons vibrantes sonoros. Antes e durante os intervalos da técnica, foram coletadas amostras de vogais sustentadas, totalizando quatro amostras. As mulheres idosas foram divididas em dois grupos: grupo com autopercepção de alteração vocal (n = 25) e grupo sem autopercepção de alteração vocal (n = 28). Foram realizadas avaliações perceptivo-auditivas e análise acústica. Os testes estatísticos foram utilizados para correlacionar os dados: Teste Anova para medidas repetidas, Teste de Friedman e Teste de Wilcoxon e Teste Qui-Quadrado de Pearson. Para todos os testes foi considerado nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Houve predomínio de disfonia moderada em ambos os grupos, de acordo com a julgamento perceptivo-auditivo. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos na avaliação da análise perceptivo-auditiva quanto à melhora, piora e voz inalterada antes e após os diferentes tempos de execução da técnica. A maioria das idosas melhorou a voz após um minuto de execução da técnica. CONCLUSÃO: As idosas apresentam elevada presença de alteração vocal quando considerada o julgamento perceptivo-auditivo da voz. Não houve evidências científicas quanto ao momento ideal para se obter um melhor efeito na voz das idosas.

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Dynamic vocal analysis (DVA) is an auditory-perceptual and acoustic vocal assessment strategy that provides estimates on the biomechanics and aerodynamics of vocal production by performing frequency and intensity variation tasks and using voice acoustic spectrography. The objective of this experience report is to demonstrate the use of DVA in the assessment of vocal functionality of dysphonic and non-dysphonic individuals, with a special focus on the laryngeal musculature. Phonatory tasks consisted of sustained vowel, "a" or "é", and/or connected speech, in three intensities (habitual, soft, and loud) and three frequencies (habitual, high, and low), as well as ascending and descending glissando. The adjustments of the laryngeal and paralaryngeal muscles can be inferred from the different DVA tasks. The main characteristics of the laryngeal muscles analyzed are control of glottic adduction, stretching, and shortening of the vocal folds; the main characteristics of the paralaryngeal musculature are mainly related to the vertical laryngeal position in the neck. While the sustained vowel evaluates the vocal functionality with a focus on the larynx, connected speech allows the evaluation of the articulatory adjustments employed. An acoustic spectrographic software can be used to visualize the performance of such tasks. The clinical application of the DVA will be exemplified using acoustic spectrography plates from normal and dysphonic voices, taken from a voice bank. Individuals who perform the DVA tasks in a balanced way, with adequate vocal quality and without phonatory effort, demonstrate good vocal functionality. On the other hand, difficulties in performing these tasks with worsening vocal quality and/or increased muscle tension may be indications of altered vocal functionality.

O campo dinâmico vocal (CDV) é uma estratégia de avaliação vocal perceptivo-auditiva e acústica que oferece estimativas sobre a biomecânica e a aerodinâmica da produção vocal por meio da realização de tarefas de variação de frequência e de intensidade e do uso da espectrografia acústica da voz. Esse relato de experiência tem como objetivo demonstrar a aplicação do CDV na avaliação da funcionalidade vocal de indivíduos disfônicos e não-disfônicos, com foco especial na musculatura laríngea. As tarefas fonatórias envolvem emissão de vogal sustentada e/ou de fala encadeada em três intensidades autosselecionadas (habitual autorreferida, fraca e forte) e em três frequências (habitual autorreferida, aguda, grave), além do glissando. As tarefas de variação de intensidade e de frequência possibilitam a avaliação da musculatura laríngea no controle da adução glótica e do alongamento e encurtamento das pregas vocais. A tarefa de variação de frequência permite também a análise da musculatura extrínseca no controle da posição vertical da laringe no pescoço. Enquanto a vogal sustentada avalia a funcionalidade vocal com foco na laringe, a fala encadeada permite a avaliação dos ajustes articulatórios empregados. A aplicação do CDV será demonstrada por meio de pranchas espectrográficas de indivíduos normais e disfônicos. Indivíduos vocalmente saudáveis realizam as tarefas do CDV de forma equilibrada, com qualidade vocal adequada e sem esforço fonatório, denotando boa funcionalidade vocal. Por outro lado, indivíduos com dificuldade na realização das tarefas do CDV, com piora da qualidade vocal e/ou com aumento da tensão muscular, podem apresentar funcionalidade vocal alterada.

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PURPOSE: To assess the performance of the phonatory deviation diagram and its measurements in monitoring voice quality before and after voice exercise in individuals with Parkinson's Disease. METHODS: Retrospective and documentary study. A sample of 30 subjects was used, 50% male, with a mean age of 62.13 ± 9.05 years. The results of the phonatory deviation diagram were analyzed, in the moments before and after vocal exercise with the pushing technique associated with plosive sounds, considering the area, density, shape and location of the diagram in the quadrants. For comparison purposes, the acoustic parameters of jitter, shimmer, glottal to noise excitation ratio and results of the auditory-perceptual analysis, carried out in previous research, were also considered, in the pre- and post-technical moments. RESULTS: Despite the fact that there was no difference in the distribution of samples in the diagram, after performing the vocal technique, a change in the displacement of the diagram towards the area of normality was identified in the visual qualitative analysis, and there was an association between the general degree of vocal deviation in the analysis auditory perception and the area of the diagram. There was an improvement in the shimmer values after the vocal technique. CONCLUSION: The displacement of the phonatory deviation diagram towards the area of normality corroborated the results in relation to the general degree of dysphonia, evaluated by the auditory-perceptual analysis and the shimmer results, after the vocal technique. Thus, the diagram shows good performance in monitoring voice quality of individuals with Parkinson's.

OBJETIVO: Verificar o desempenho do diagrama de desvio fonatório e de suas medidas no monitoramento da qualidade da voz, pré e pós exercício vocal, em indivíduos com Doença de Parkinson. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo e documental. Utilizou-se uma amostra de 30 sujeitos, sendo 50% do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 62,13 ± 9,05 anos. Foram analisados os resultados do diagrama de desvio fonatório, nos momentos pré e pós exercício vocal com a técnica de empuxo associada aos sons plosivos, considerando-se a área, densidade, forma e localização do diagrama nos quadrantes. Para fins de comparação, os parâmetros acústicos de jitter, shimmer, glottal to noise excitation ratio e resultados da análise perceptivo-auditiva, realizada em pesquisa anterior, também foram considerados, nos momentos pré e pós-técnica. RESULTADOS: A despeito de não ocorrer diferença na distribuição das amostras no diagrama, após realização da técnica vocal, foi identificada, na análise qualitativa visual, mudança no deslocamento do diagrama em direção à área de normalidade e houve associação entre o grau geral do desvio vocal da análise perceptivoauditiva e a área do diagrama. Houve melhora nos valores de shimmer, após a técnica vocal. CONCLUSÃO: O deslocamento do diagrama de desvio fonatório em direção à área de normalidade corroborou os resultados em relação ao grau geral de disfonia avaliado pela análise perceptivoauditiva e os resultados de shimmer, após a técnica vocal empregada. Desse modo, o diagrama de desvio fonatório apresentou bom desempenho no monitoramento da qualidade vocal de indivíduos com Parkinson.

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Tracheoesophageal (TE) speech is an important method of speech rehabilitation for those who undergo a total laryngectomy. Despite the many advantages over other methods, there is still room for improvement in terms of the overall quality of the TE voice as well as its success rate. These points could be greatly assisted by an improved knowledge on the mechanics of TE speech. Here, an experimental model of the pharyngoesophageal segment (PES), based on the idea of a collapsible tube, is proposed. To implement the model, considerable simplifications had to be made, most notably in the use of a thin flexible tube to represent the PES. The model was used to assess the minimum amount of tonicity required for the onset of phonation in terms of the flow rate and longitudinal tension. Additionally, comparisons with a mathematical model [Tourinho, da Silva, dos Santos, Thomaz, and Vieira, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 149, 1979-1988 (2021)] have been made, yielding similar trends for sufficiently large flow rates. The measurements also suggest that the phonation frequency is most affected by the tonicity of the PES, which highlights the question of which physiological mechanism is responsible for the control of the fundamental frequency of phonation.

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OBJECTIVE: Visual-perceptive assessment of glottic characteristics of vocal nodules by means of high-speed videoendoscopy. METHODS: Descriptive observational research with convenience sampling of five laryngeal videos of women with an average age of 25 years. The diagnosis of vocal nodules was defined by two otolaryngologists, with 100% intra-rater agreement and 53.40% inter-rater agreement and five otolaryngologists as judge assessed the laryngeal videos based on an adapted protocol. The statistical analysis calculated measures of central tendency and dispersion, as well as percentage. The AC1 coefficient was used for agreement analysis. RESULTS: In high-speed videoendoscopy imaging, vocal nodules are characterized by amplitude of the mucosal wave and muco-undulatory movement with magnitude between 50% and 60%. Non-vibrating segments of vocal folds are scarce, and the glottal cycle does not show a predominant phase, it is symmetric and periodic. Glottal closure is characterized by the presence of a mid-posterior triangular chink (double chink or isolated mid-posterior triangular chink), without movement of supraglottic laryngeal structures, with irregular contour of the free edge of vocal folds, which are vertically on-plane. CONCLUSION: Vocal nodules present mid-posterior triangular chink and irregular free edge contour. Amplitude and mucosal wave were partially reduced. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4 (Case-series).

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INTRODUCTION: Teachers stand out among occupational groups due to their contribution to modern societies, and their voice is the main form of interaction. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to verify the changes in vocal and respiratory measurements from teachers with vocal and musculoskeletal complaints and with normal larynx after applying a musculoskeletal manipulation protocol of myofascial release using pompage. METHODS: Controlled and randomized clinical trial with 56 participants: 28 teachers in the study group and 28 teachers in the control group. Anamnesis, videolaryngoscopy, hearing screening, sound pressure and maximum phonation time measurements, and manovacuometry were performed. The musculoskeletal manipulation protocol of myofascial release using pompage consisted of a total of 24 sessions, 40 min for each session, three times a week, for 8 weeks. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in the maximum respiratory pressure in the study group after the intervention. The sound pressure level and the maximum phonation time did not change significantly. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Musculoskeletal manipulation protocol of myofascial release using pompage had a direct effect on the respiratory measurements from female teachers, significantly increasing the maximum respiratory pressure but without affecting sound pressure level and the /a/ maximum phonation time.

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PURPOSE: Linear acoustic indices are significantly influenced by speaking voice intensity. The main aim of this work was to compare acoustic measures based on linear and nonlinear models in different speaking voice intensity levels and to analyze the reliability of those measures in different intensity levels in subjects with voice disorders. METHODS: 435 samples from subjects (314 women, 121 men with a mean age of 41.07 ± 13.73) diagnosed with various voice disorders were used. In total, 17 acoustic measures were derived from the vowel /ɛ/ sustained at three intensity levels (soft, comfortable, and loud). Five were linear (standard deviation of the fundamental frequency (f0), jitter, shimmer, harmonics-to-noise ratio (HNR) and smoothed cepstral peak prominence (CPPS)), and twelve were nonlinear measures, namely correlation dimension (D2), correlation entropy (H2), first minimum of the mutual information function (FMMI), relative entropy (ENTR-R), largest Lyapunov exponent (Lyap), determinism (DET), transitivity, mean diagonal line length (Lmed), Shannon entropy (ENTR-S), mean length of vertical structures, also known as trapping time (TT), laminarity (LAM) and recurrence period density entropy (RPDE). Differences between speaking voice intensity levels were assessed by Friedman's test and Nemenyi as posthoc test. Intraclass correlation coefficient was used to investigate if each acoustic measure remains in agreement (reliability) between different voice intensity levels. RESULTS: There were significant differences in all acoustic measures about vocal intensity level (P < 0.001). Intraclass correlation coefficient was very good for HNR (>0.61) and good for Lyap, DET, ENTR-S, Lmed, RPDE, and TT (0.41-0.60). CONCLUSIONS: All acoustic measures varied as a function of vocal intensity in voice disordered adults, while this relation was different for linear and nonlinear measures. Only the measures HNR, Lyap, DET, ENTR-S, Lmed, RPDE and TT had an acceptable reliability between different voice intensity levels. Therefore, patient`s voice SPL should be controlled or indicated during acoustic vocal assessment.

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OBJECTIVES: Presbyphonia negatively impacts quality of life in patients with age-related voice changes. A proof-of-concept study showed promise for high vocal intensity exercise to treat presbyphonia, which became the basis for a novel intervention for age-related voice changes known as Phonation Resistance Training Exercises (PhoRTE). Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) has also been proposed as an additional intervention to target and strengthen the aging respiratory system; however, EMST has undergone limited evaluation as an adjunct treatment for elderly patients undergoing voice therapy for presbyphonia. This study determined if the addition of EMST to PhoRTE voice therapy (PhoRTE + EMST) is at least as effective at voice improvement as PhoRTE alone. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blinded, non-inferiority. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants aged 55 years or older with a diagnosis of vocal fold atrophy were randomized to complete PhoRTE therapy or PhoRTE + EMST. The primary outcome was change in Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10). Secondary outcomes included the Aging Voice Index, maximum expiratory pressure, and acoustic and aerodynamic measures of voice. Repeated measures linear mixed models were constructed to analyze outcomes at a significance level of α = 0.10. RESULTS: Twenty-six participants were recruited for the study, and 24 participants were randomized to either treatment arm. Sixteen participants completed the entire study. Both treatment arms showed statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in VHI-10 (PhoRTE mean [M] = -8.20, P < 0.001; PhoRTE + EMST M = -9.58, P < 0.001), and PhoRTE + EMST was noninferior to PhoRTE alone (P = 0.069). Both groups experienced a statistically significant pre-post treatment decrease (improvement) in AVI scores (PhoRTE M = -18.40, P = 0.004; PhoRTE + EMST M = -16.28, P = 0.005). PhoRTE+EMST had statistically significantly greater changes in maximum expiratory pressure compared to PhoRTE alone (PhoRTE M = 8.24 cm H2O, PhoRTE + EMST M = 32.63 cm H2O; P= 0.015). Some secondary acoustic and aerodynamic outcomes displayed trends toward improvement. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that voice therapy targeting high vocal intensity exercise (eg, PhoRTE) and EMST can play a role in improving voice outcomes for patients with presbyphonia.

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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate vocal symptoms, voice characteristics and videolaryngoscopy in obese women before and after bariatric surgery. METHODS: Obese patients (18 to 59 years old), candidates for bariatric surgery were recruited. Evaluation times: T1 (preoperative), T2 (after six months), T3 (after 12 months). Evaluated parameters: weight, height, body mass index, abdominal and neck circumference, vocal self-assessment, perceptual and acoustic vocal assessment, and videolaryngoscopy. RESULTS: A total of 37 obese women were included, average age 40.8 years. There was a decrease in anthropometric measurements between the preoperative assessment and after 12 months: weight (121.18 ± 15.4 kg; 77.1 ± 11.6 kg), BMI (46.6 ± 6.95 kg/m2; 30 ± kg/m2), abdominal circumference (128 ± 16.1; 99.1 ± 12.1), and neck circumference (41.1 ± 5.85; 36.6 ± 3.02). Gastroesophageal (21.6%) and vocal symptoms (27%) prevailed. No difference was identified in vocal self-assessment between the evaluations. In the acoustic analysis, f0 increased and the soft phonation index decreased. The perceptual analysis registered lower scores for the degree of dysphonia (G) and voice instability (I). The maximum phonation time values increased without changing the s/z ratio. Videolaryngoscopies showed a posterior middle cleft and improvement in the signs of reflux. CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric surgery led to an important and gradual decrease in anthropometric parameters. The voice became less hoarse, with higher pitch and more stable, with an improvement in maximum phonation time, however with slight breathiness. Such changes were not noticed by the patients.

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Avaliaram-se consequências da perda precoce de dentes decíduos anteriores por meio de três fases. Na 1a, realizou-se levantamento da evidência científica disponível por meio de revisão sistemática e meta-análise (RS), revisão crítica da literatura (RC) e e-book. A RS foi dividida em seleção dos artigos, extração de dados, risco de viés, meta-análise e certeza da evidência; na RC, realizou-se compilação dos dados e análise crítica. Por fim, as informações foram organizadas em e-book com fins educativos. Na 2a, realizaram-se dois estudos (Es) de concordância e reprodutibilidade, para avaliar instrumentos em modelos de estudo (Es1) e na clínica (Es2). No Es1, dois avaliadores treinados e calibrados realizaram mensurações diretamente com paquímetro digital e compasso de pontas secas em 40 modelos de gesso de bebês/crianças com idade entre 1 e 5 anos, com e sem perdas dentárias, comparados à medidas digitais feitas em software pós escaneamento 3D. Foram avaliadas 6 medidas dentárias lineares (MDL): espaço mésio-distal da perda dentária (EPD) (se houvesse), perímetro do arco, comprimento do arco, largura do arco, comprimento intercaninos e largura intercaninos. O Es2 comparou paquímetro digital e compasso de pontas secas para mensuração clínica do EPD realizada por dois operadores independentes em 15 bebês/crianças com idade entre 2 a 6 anos. Na 3a, estudo longitudinal de coorte avaliou consequências da perda precoce anterior nos arcos dentários e no desenvolvimento da oclusão de outros 15 bebês/crianças de 1 a 5 anos comparados à bebês/crianças sem perdas dentárias após 24 meses de acompanhamento. Foram realizados exame de oclusão, mensuração clínica do EPD com paquímetro digital e documentação com fotografias intrabucais e confecção de modelos de estudo pela impressão dos arcos. Essas etapas foram realizadas no tempo zero (T0) e repetidas após 24 meses (T1). Os modelos foram escaneados em scanner ótico 3D e realizaram-se MDL em software digital. As medidas digitais foram repetidas após 1 mês para avaliação do erro do método. A análise estatística de cada fase foi desenvolvida individualmente utilizando: coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI), Bland-Altman, teste-t, Shapiro-Wilk e teste de Levene's, adotando nível de significância de 0,05%. Dos estudos selecionados na meta-análise (n=4), verificouse que crianças que perderam dentes decíduos anteriores apresentaram maior chance de sofrer distorção da fala do que crianças sem perdas com baixa certeza de evidência (OR 5,466 [1,689, 17,692] p=0,005). Por outro lado, não houve diferença estatística entre esta perda e omissão ou substituição de fonemas, ambos com muito baixa certeza de evidência. Com relação ao Es1, o CCI inter-examinador foi considerado excelente variando de 0,93 a 1,00 e a concordância entre os instrumentos foi boa com média da diferença variando de -0,034mm (-1,077; 1,145) a -1,002mm (-2,632; 0,627). No Es2, o CCI inter-examinador também foi excelente com valor médio de 0,99 e houve concordância entre os instrumentos. No estudo de coorte, não houve diferença clínica significativa no EPD (p=0,938). Valores CCI intraexaminador foram variaram de 0,73 a 1,00. A precisão do método foi adequada, sem evidência de viés de proporção. Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas nas MDL tanto do grupo exposto quanto do não-exposto (p>0,05). Alterações nos arcos dentários e no desenvolvimento da oclusão puderam ser evidenciadas por meio da análise descritiva, incluindo: esfoliação e erupção de dentes decíduos, erupção de dentes permanentes, autocorreção e estabelecimento de maloclusões, entre outros. A presente tese concluiu que a perda precoce anterior pode causar distorção da fala, com baixa certeza de evidência. Demonstrou que MDL podem ser realizadas com boa concordância e reprodutibilidade em modelos de gesso com paquímetro digital e compasso de pontas secas e em modelos digitais com software. Demonstrou que, paquímetro digital e compasso de pontas secas podem ser utilizados com boa concordância e reprodutibilidade para mensuração clínica do EPD. Por fim, não houve diferenças nos arcos dentários e no desenvolvimento da oclusão de bebês/crianças com perda precoce anterior em comparação aos sem perdas. Entretanto, alterações fisiológicas e patológicas foram diagnosticadas clinicamente em ambos os grupos, destacando a importância da análise clínica e qualitativa. AU)

Consequences of premature loss of primary anterior teeth were evaluated through three phases. In 1st, a survey of available scientific evidence was conducted through systematic review and meta-analysis (SR), critical literature review (CR), and e-book development. SR was divided into article selection, data extraction, risk of bias, meta-analysis, and certainty of evidence; while CR was composed by data compilation and critical analysis. Finally, all data were organized into an e-book for educational purposes. In 2nd, two studies (S) of agreement and reproducibility were performed to evaluate measurement instruments in study models (S1) and in the clinic (S2). In S1, two trained and calibrated operators performed dental linear measurements (DLM) with compass and digital caliper directly on 40 plaster models of infants/children aged from 1 to 5 years old, with and without tooth losses, compared to digital measurements made in software after 3D scanning. Two trained and calibrated operators measured models with compass, digital caliper, and digital software. Six DLM were evaluated: missing tooth space (MTS) (if any), arch perimeter, arch length, arch width, intercanine length and intercanine width. S2 compared compass and digital caliper for clinical measurement of MTS in 15 infants/children aged between 2 and 6 years old. In 3rd, a longitudinal observational cohort study was conducted to evaluate consequences of premature anterior loss on dental arches and occlusion development in 15 infants/children aged 1 to 5 years compared to participants without teeth losses. Occlusion examination was performed, MTS measurement with digital caliper, and recording through intraoral photographs and study models preparation by impression of upper and lower arches. These steps were performed at baseline (T0) and repeated after a minimum of 24 months (T1). The models were scanned with a 3D optical scanner and DLM were performed with digital software. All digital measurements were repeated after 1 month to evaluate method error. Statistical analysis of each phase was individually Shapiro-Wilk and Levene's test, adopting a significance level of 0.05%. From the studies selected in meta-analyses (n = 4), it was found that children who lost primary anterior teeth had a greater chance of suffering speech distortion than children without tooth loss with low certainty of evidence (OR 5.466 [1.689, 17.692] p=0.005). On the other hand, there was no statistical difference between tooth loss and phoneme omission and substitution, both with very low certainty of evidence. Regarding E1, inter-rater ICC was considered excellent varying from 0.93 to 1.00 and agreement between the instruments was good, varying from 0.034mm (-1.077; 1.145) a -1.002mm (-2.632; 0.627). In E2, inter-rater ICC was also considered excellent with mean value being 0.99 and there was no statistically significant difference between the instruments, also indicating agreement, regardless of the operator. In cohort study, there was no significant change in clinical MTS measurement (p = 0.938). ICC values ranged from 0.73 to 1.00. Method accuracy was adequate and there was no evidence of proportion bias. There were no statistically significant changes in DLM of both exposed and non-exposed groups (p>0.05). Changes in dental arches and occlusion development were evidenced by descriptive analysis, including: exfoliation and eruption of primary teeth, eruption of permanent teeth, self-correction and establishment of malocclusion, among others. In this thesis, it was concluded that premature loss of primary anterior teeth could cause speech distortion, with low certainty of evidence. It was shown that DLM could be performed with good agreement and reproducibility both on plaster models with compass and digital caliper, and on digital models with software. It was also demonstrated that both compass and digital caliper could be used with good agreement and reproducibility for MTS measurements. Finally, there were no statistically changes in dental arches and occlusion development of infants and children with premature loss of primary anterior teeth compared to those without losses. However, physiological and pathological changes were clinically diagnosed in both groups, highlighting the importance of clinical follow-up and descriptive analysis. (AU)

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El estudio de las fibras musculares permite comprender con mejor detalle la composición de los músculos y sus características funcionales. Además, facilita la aplicación de programas de entrenamiento y rehabilitación basados en las vías energéticas que regulan la contracción muscular. Su estudio generalmente va unido al análisis de las cadenas pesadas de miosina (MyHC), las que informan sobre las características y propiedades funcionales del músculo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue sintetizar la evidencia científica disponible sobre la distribución de fibras musculares y de isoformas de cadenas pesadas de miosina de los músculos intrínsecos de la laringe de seres humanos. Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura mediante el análisis de artículos encontrados en las bases de datos PubMed, EBSCOHost y SciELO. Los hallazgos informan sobre la existencia de fibras tónicas lentas y tipo I, II, IIA y IIX/IIB. Además, se reconoce la presencia de las isoformas MyHC-I, MyHC-IIA, MyHC-IIX, MyHC-Fetal, MyHC-L y MyHC-IIB. En conclusión, los músculos intrínsecos de la laringe presentan una mezcla de fibras y de isoformas de MyHC lentas y rápidas,la que obedece a adaptaciones y cambios evolutivos que han permitido, por ejemplo, las características fonatorias que presenta la voz del ser humano.

The study of muscle fibers allows the composition of muscles and their functional characteristics to be understood in greaterdetail. In addition, it makes it possible to applytraining and rehabilitation programs based on the energypathways that regulatemuscle contraction. Studying muscle fibers is generally associated withthe analysis of myosin heavy chains (MHC) which provide information on the functional characteristics and properties of muscles. The objective of this study was to synthesize the available scientific evidence onthe distribution of muscle fibers and myosin heavy chain isoforms present in the intrinsic laryngeal muscles of human beings. A systematic reviewof the literature was carried outand articles found on PubMed, EBSCOHost,and SciELOwere analyzed.The findings showthe presenceof slow-tonic, type I, type II, type IIA, and type IIX/IIB fibers. Additionally,isoforms MHC-I, MHC-IIA, MHC-IIX, MHC-Fetal, MHC-L, and MHC-IIB canbe found. In conclusion, intrinsic laryngeal muscles are composed ofa combination of slow and fast fibers and MHC isoforms, derived from evolutionary adaptations and changes which have given way, among other things, to the phonetic characteristics ofthe human voice.

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Introdução: o sistema estomatognático é responsável por funções inatas e primordiais ao ser humano, como respiração, sucção, deglutição e fonação. O fonoaudiólogo é o profissional qualificado para realizar avaliação, diagnóstico e reabilitação desse sistema. Dessa forma, tais procedimentos são realizados por serviços de fonoaudiologia, e essa produtividade é lançada na plataforma correspondente do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) como "avaliação miofuncional do sistema estomatognático". Objetivo: analisar os investimentos do SUS destinados à avaliação miofuncional do sistema estomatognático no Brasil, no período de 2008 a 2021. Metodologia: trata-se de estudo ecológico, de caráter quantitativo, realizado com dados secundários disponibilizados na plataforma DataSUS/TABNet. Os dados coletados se referem a valores apresentados e aprovados para a avaliação miofuncional do sistema estomatognático, no período supracitado, no Brasil. Após a coleta, realizou-se a análise descritiva dos dados, com exposição dos valores absolutos e relativos, das taxas de crescimento e do déficit de repasses dos recursos financeiros. Resultados: no período estudado, foram realizadas 5,4 milhões de avaliações miofuncionais do sistema estomatognático, a um custo total de R$ 21,5 milhões com taxas de crescimento dos investimentos financeiros de até 64,1% ao longo dos anos. Observou-se que, em todo o período estudado, ocorreu déficit de repasses para procedimentos relacionados aos serviços de fonoaudiologia, chegando a taxas de 17464,6% de pagamentos não efetuados. Conclusão: constatou-se que houve aumento dos investimentos financeiros do SUS destinados ao procedimento de avaliação miofuncional. Contudo, foram notados, também, déficits de pagamentos pelas secretarias de saúde, destinados a uma parcela dos procedimentos realizados nos serviços de fonoaudiologia.

Introduction: the stomatognathic system is responsible for innate and primordial functions for human beings, such as breathing, sucking, swallowing and phonation. The speech therapist is the qualified professional to carry out evaluation, diagnosis and rehabilitation of this system. Thus, such procedures are performed by speech therapy services, and this productivity is released on the corresponding platform of the Unified Health System (SUS) as "myofunctional assessment of the stomatognathic system". Objective: to analyze SUS investments for the myofunctional assessment of the stomatognathic system in Brazil, from 2008 to 2021. Methodology: this is an ecological study, of a quantitative nature, carried out with secondary data available on the DataSUS/TABNet platform. The data collected refer to values presented and approved for the myofunctional assessment of the stomatognathic system, in the aforementioned period, in Brazil. After collection, a descriptive analysis of the data was carried out, with exposure of absolute and relative values, growth rates and the deficit in transfers of financial resources. Results: in the studied period, 5.4 million myofunctional assessments of the stomatognathic system were performed, at a total cost of R$ 21.5 million, with growth rates of financial investments of up to 64.1% over the years. It was observed that, throughout the studied period, there was a deficit in transfers for procedures related to speech therapy services, reaching rates of 17464.6% of payments not made. Conclusion: it was found that there was an increase in SUS financial investments for the myofunctional assessment procedure. However, deficits in payments by the health secretariats were also noted, destined for a portion of the procedures performed in the speech-language pathology services.

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PURPOSE: This exploratory study aims to investigate variations in voice production in the presence of background noise (Lombard effect) in individuals with nonphonotraumatic vocal hyperfunction (NPVH) and individuals with typical voices using acoustic, aerodynamic, and vocal fold vibratory measures of phonatory function. METHOD: Nineteen participants with NPVH and 19 participants with typical voices produced simple vocal tasks in three sequential background conditions: baseline (in quiet), Lombard (in noise), and recovery (5 min after removing the noise). The Lombard condition consisted of speech-shaped noise at 80 dB SPL through audiometric headphones. Acoustic measures from a microphone, glottal aerodynamic parameters estimated from the oral airflow measured with a circumferentially vented pneumotachograph mask, and vocal fold vibratory parameters from high-speed videoendoscopy were analyzed. RESULTS: During the Lombard condition, both groups exhibited a decrease in open quotient and increases in sound pressure level, peak-to-peak glottal airflow, maximum flow declination rate, and subglottal pressure. During the recovery condition, the acoustic and aerodynamic measures of individuals with typical voices returned to those of the baseline condition; however, recovery measures for individuals with NPVH did not return to baseline values. CONCLUSIONS: As expected, individuals with NPVH and participants with typical voices exhibited a Lombard effect in the presence of elevated background noise levels. During the recovery condition, individuals with NPVH did not return to their baseline state, pointing to a persistence of the Lombard effect after noise removal. This behavior could be related to disruptions in laryngeal motor control and may play a role in the etiology of NPVH. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.20415600.

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