Rib torque does not assist resting tidal expiration or most conversational speech expiration.
OBJECTIVE
This research note discusses a common misconception in speech science and speech-language pathology textbooks that rib torque (i.e., rotational stress) assists resting tidal expiration and conversational speech production.


METHODS
The nature of this misconception is considered.


CONCLUSIONS
An alternate conceptualization is offered that is consistent with knowledge from respiratory biomechanics.
Hixon
Thomas J
TJ
Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, National Center for Neurogenic Communication Disorders, University of Arizona, Tucson 85721, USA. hixon@u.arizona.edu
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D010699:Phonation / Q000502:physiology*; D012143:Respiratory Physiological Phenomena; D012272:Ribs / Q000502:physiology*; D013990:Tidal Volume / Q000502:physiology