Effects of semi-occluded vocal tract exercise on alleviation of vocal fatigue : a study on amateur a cappella singers

Abstract

Voice research on the population of amateur a cappella singers has been of increasing clinical importance, due to its potential vocal load comparable to other professional voice users. This study aims to investigate the effects of performing semi-occluded vocal tract (SOVT) exercise as a vocal cool-down procedure to alleviate fatigue of singing voices. Sixteen male and fourteen female vocally healthy amateur a cappella singers participated in the experiment. Vocal fatigue was induced by a 95-minute group singing task. It was followed by 15 minutes of vocal cool-down of either straw phonation or vocal rest. Self-perceptual, aerodynamic and acoustic measures were performed at four time points throughout the experiment. Results indicated improvements in self-reported vocal conditions, perceived phonatory effort (PPE) and the lowest phonational frequency upon SOVT exercise, especially during phonation at low frequency range. Effects were particularly significant in female singers. The data support the use of SOVT exercise to alleviate vocal fatigue.