| Abstract | – Background:
Age-related changes in the laryngeal structures and functions can lead to vocal impairment in the elderly population. This can lead to voice disorders. Semi-occluded vocal tract (SOVT) exercises have emerged as a potential therapeutic tool to improve laryngeal functioning and vocal quality. Straw phonation (SP) is an example, where an artificial lengthening of the vocal tract is created. The overall effect of straw phonation has been carefully studied over the past several decades. However, there remains a lack of research on the effects in the geriatric population.
– Objective:
This study investigates the immediate effects on laryngeal function and short-term effects on vocal quality of three types of straw phonation exercises in people aged 65 and older. The different effects of SP in air, in 2 cm water and SP in 5 cm water are studied.
– Methods:
Forty people aged 65 and older are recruited and divided equally into the three experimental groups (SP in air, SP in 2 cm water or SP in 5 cm water) or the control group. A randomized controlled trial is used. The experimental groups receive a group training of 20 minutes twice a week for four weeks. Laryngeal function and vocal quality are checked in all subjects before training. After four weeks of training, only the evolution in vocal quality is verified. The vocal quality assessment involves several objective and subjective measurements. It regards a perceptual evaluation, aerodynamic and acoustic measurements, a determination of vocal range, Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI), Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI), Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and Vocal Tract Discomfort Scale (VTDS).
– Results.
The data collection is still running and is finished the end of January 2024.
– Conclusion:
The conclusion of this study will be made at the end of January after the data collection. I hope this study can be presented in Phila in 2024.
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