Acoustic Analysis and Electroglottography in Elite Vocal Performers.
BACKGROUND
Acoustic analysis of voice (AAV) and electroglottography (EGG) have been used for assessing vocal quality in patients with voice disorders. The effectiveness of these procedures for detecting mild disturbances in vocal quality in elite vocal performers has been controversial.


OBJECTIVE
To compare acoustic parameters obtained by AAV and EGG before and after vocal training to determine the effectiveness of these procedures for detecting vocal improvements in elite vocal performers.


METHODS
Thirty-three elite vocal performers were studied. The study group included 14 males and 19 females, ages 18-40 years, without a history of voice disorders. Acoustic parameters were obtained through AAV and EGG before and after vocal training using the Linklater method.


RESULTS
Nonsignificant differences (P > 0.05) were found between values of fundamental frequency (F0), shimmer, and jitter obtained by both procedures before vocal training. Mean F0was similar after vocal training. Jitter percentage as measured by AAV showed nonsignificant differences (P > 0.05) before and after vocal training. Shimmer percentage as measured by AAV demonstrated a significant reduction (P < 0.05) after vocal training. As measured by EGG after vocal training, shimmer and jitter were significantly reduced (P < 0.05); open quotient was significantly increased (P < 0.05); and irregularity was significantly reduced (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
AAV and EGG were effective for detecting improvements in vocal function after vocal training in male and female elite vocal performers undergoing vocal training. EGG demonstrated better efficacy for detecting improvements and provided additional parameters as compared to AAV.
Department of Speech and Language Pathology, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación, Mexico City, Mexico.
Rocio
R
Villafuerte-Gonzalez
Department of Speech and Language Pathology, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación, Mexico City, Mexico.
Victor M
VM
Valadez-Jimenez
School of Medicine. Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico.
Jose A
JA
Sierra-Ramirez
Neuroscience Program, Beaumont Health, Ian Jackson Craniofacial and Cleft Palate Clinic, Royal Oak, Michigan. Electronic address: antonio.ysunza@beaumont.edu.
Pablo Antonio
PA
Ysunza
School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico.
Karen
K
Chavarria-Villafuerte
Department of Speech and Language Pathology, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación, Mexico City, Mexico.
Xochiquetzal
X
Hernandez-Lopez
D000162:Acoustics; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004568:Electrodiagnosis; D005260:Female; D005931:Glottis / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010699:Phonation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D063346:Singing; D014833:Voice Quality; D014834:Voice Training; D055815:Young Adult
Acoustics; Electroglottography; Larynx; Phonation; Voice