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To analyze the immediate effects of voiced high-frequency oscillation (VHFO) and Lax Vox technique on vocal quality and self-reported intensity of vocal and laryngeal symptoms in individuals with behavioral dysphonia.This experimental, prospective, randomized cross-over study, investigated thirty adults (15 women and 15 men) with behavioral dysphonia (vocal complaints, altered voice on auditory-perceptual evaluation, vocal nodules or mucosal thickening, and incomplete glottic closure). The outcome variables analyzed were auditory-perceptual analysis, acoustic analysis (voice quality characteristics), and self-reported intensities of vocal and laryngeal symptoms. Each participant performed two exercises-VHFO and Lax Vox technique-in a random sequence for 3 minutes. A 7-day washout period was provided between the exercises. The data were analyzed using the paired t-test and Wilcoxon test (P0.05).After VHFO, no significant difference was observed on auditory-perceptual evaluation in all participants, whereas the Lax Vox technique worsened breathiness among women (P = 0.027). VHFO significantly increased the fundamental frequency (P = 0.014) and decreased the noise harmonic ratios for women (P = 0.026). Among men, there was a decrease in shimmer parameter (P = 0.035). Moreover, symptoms such as "lump in the throat" (P = 0.005), "voice loss" (P = 0.017), and "high-pitched voice" (P = 0.023) decreased in women after VHFO, whereas in men, "itchiness" and "hoarseness" (P0.001) decreased after VHFO. The Lax Vox technique decreased "hoarseness" (P = 0.003) in women, without any effect in men.The VHFO exercise provided more positive immediate effects results than the Lax Vox technique regarding vocal quality and self-reported symptom intensity in participants with behavioral dysphonia.

Objective To verify safety and compare the immediate effects of voiced high-frequency oscillation (VHFO) using two types of breathing devices on self-perception and vocal quality according to performance time in vocally healthy individuals. Method Thirty individuals (15 women and 15 men) without vocal complaints or any history of dysphonia participated. Each participant performed the VHFO technique with the New Shaker and Shaker Plus devices for 3 (T3), 5 (T5), and 7 minutes (T7). All answered a questionnaire that investigated the intensity of laryngopharyngeal and vocal symptoms before and after performing the VHFO with each device and at different times. After VHFO, at each time, the voice was recorded for further analysis of vocal quality. The participants also answered a self-assessment questionnaire about vocal, laryngeal, breathing, and articulatory sensations. Results T3 showed a decrease in the laryngopharyngeal symptoms “pain when swallowing,” “secretion in the throat,” and “phlegm” for both genders and both devices. T7 showed an increase in “dry throat” for both genders and both devices. There was an increase in the symptom “fatigue when speaking” in T3 for both genders after VHFO with the New Shaker device. We also observed a decrease in the symptoms “voice failure” and “dry cough” after VHFO with the Shaker Plus for men in T3, and “voice failure” after VHFO with the New Shaker for women in T5. We found a decrease in the acoustic parameter shimmer for women in T5 and the NHR parameter in T7 for both genders, regardless of the breathing device. There were no changes in the auditory-perceptual analysis of the voice and self-assessment of sensations after VHFO with both devices and for both genders. Conclusion VHFO performed with New Shaker and Shaker Plus is safe and can be used in clinical vocal practice in vocally healthy individuals.

Objective To verify the modifications in auditory-perceptual and acoustic parameters of the fundamental frequency, short-term perturbation, noise, and cepstral measures of voice in young and elderly were distributed over the age of decades. Methods The study was conducted on 265 subjects (140 females and 125 males), aged 30 to 79 years, without a history of vocal complaints or dysphonia, distributed in five age groups for females and males (30-39 years until 70-79 years). Three speech therapists voice specialists performed the perceptual-auditory analysis using a 100-mm visual analog scale, based on the overall dysphonia grade (overall grade), roughness, and breathiness from the sustained vowel /a/. The smoothed cepstral peak prominence (CPPS), average fundamental frequency (F0), standard deviation of the fundamental frequency (std-F0), jitter percentage (%), shimmer percentage (%), noise-to-harmonic ratio (NHR), voice turbulence index (VTI), and soft phonation index (SPI) were extracted for the acoustic analysis Results In the case of the auditory-perceptual characteristics, the comparison between aged groups showed that, in men, the vocal quality did not show significant differences in the overall grade, roughness, and breathiness. However, women in the 3rd decade of life presented higher breathiness than those in the 5th, 6th, and 7th decades. Men had a higher overall grade and roughness than women. In the case of the acoustic data, the cepstral measure showed that in the 3rd decade, men presented higher CPPS than females. The noise measures, in the comparison by age groups, only VTI and SPI were different for women: VTI was higher in the 7th decade than in the 4th, whereas SPI was higher in the 4th decade than in older women. In the male population, the SPI in the 4th decade was also higher than that in the older population Conclusion The analysis by age groups of life allowed the identification of breathiness as a sensitive parameter in the different stages of adult life in women. The CPPS analysis showed that the 7th age decade is the period of the appearance of vocal changes for females, characterized by higher CPPS. The results related to traditional short-term perturbation and noise measurements showed that changes in F0, jitter, shimmer, and NHR were not found. Among the other noise measurements, VTI and SPI demonstrated some changes in different decades of life.

To evaluate the association between musculoskeletal pain, insomnia indices, and sleep quality with voice functioning among women.Thirty women aged between 18 and 50 years old participated in two groups: dysphonic group (DG) - composed of 15 women diagnosed with behavioral dysphonia; and control group (CG) - composed of 15 vocally healthy women. All participants answered the Musculoskeletal Pain Investigation Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) questionnaires. Statistical tests were applied to compare groups and to relate outcome variables, with a significance of 5% (Dysphonic women presented a higher frequency of musculoskeletal pain in the posterior neck, lower back, masseter, submandibular, and larynx regions. There was no statistically significant difference for the other compared variables. We observed that there was a difference in the comparison between pain in some head and neck regions and the quality of sleep and evidence of insomnia, both in DG and CG.Dysphonic women have a higher frequency of pain in the head and neck regions when compared to vocally healthy women. There is a difference between sleep quality, insomnia, and musculoskeletal pain, regardless of the presence of vocal and laryngeal alterations.

RESUMO O objetivo deste relato de caso foi descrever os resultados da terapia fonoaudiológica intensiva, em um caso de presbifonia, e apresentar uma proposta de tratamento vocal para idosos, demonstrando seus resultados na qualidade vocal, qualidade de vida e imagem laríngea de um paciente com presbifonia. O programa Terapia Vocal para Idosos (TVI) é constituído por uma sequência de exercícios, que visam ao aumento da loudness, coordenação pneumofonoarticulatória, melhora na vibração de mucosa e equilíbrio de ressonância, além da variação e controle da frequência. O modelo terapêutico em questão foi aplicado em um indivíduo do gênero feminino, com 87 anos de idade e queixas de voz fraca e dificuldade em ser ouvido. As terapias ocorreram de maneira intensiva em 16 sessões com 30 minutos de duração, quatro vezes por semana e com realização de exercícios em casa. A experiência de aplicação do programa em formato intensivo mostrou efeitos positivos na qualidade vocal, com diminuição do desvio global da voz, soprosidade na emissão sustentada e rugosidade na emissão sustentada e fala. A melhora no desempenho vocal refletiu em aumento nos valores dos domínios físico e global do protocolo de qualidade de vida relacionada à voz. Houve, também, melhora no fechamento glótico. O tratamento vocal com o método TVI intensivo demonstra efeitos positivos no tratamento da presbifonia e tem o potencial de promover benefícios na qualidade vocal, na qualidade de vida relacionada à voz e nos aspectos laríngeos dos idosos.

Summary Purpose Investigate the vocal and laryngopharyngeal symptoms, vocal quality, Voice Activity and Participation Profile (VAPP), and vocal acoustic and auditory-perceptual characteristics from evangelical pastors comparing with the same aspects of nonprofessional voice men. Method Sixty professionally active male subjects were divided into two groups: 30 pastors and 30 nonprofessional voice men, with ages between 24 and 59 years old. Participants answered the Screening Index for Voice Disorder (SIVD) questionnaire and the VAPP, as well as an auditory-perceptual and acoustic evaluation of the voice. Results The evangelical pastors reported problems with throat clearing, cough with secretion, secretion/phlegm in the throat, and strained speech. Although there were no differences in vocal characteristics between pastors and nonprofessional voice men, the score for effects on the job and the total score of the VAPP were higher for the evangelical pastors. Conclusion Regarding the vocal characteristics, evangelical pastors do not present distinct vocal alterations in the auditory-perceptual and acoustic parameters analyzed when compared with nonprofessional voice men. However, they show laryngopharyngeal symptoms when speaking and perceive that some vocal alterations limit their professional performance but do not prevent the practice of this profession.

O objetivo do presente estudo é conhecer o perfil dos estudantes com interesse de ingressar em um curso de graduação, quanto à idade, nível socioeconômico e preferências de áreas de estudo. Participaram do estudo 101 estudantes do ensino médio e cursinho pré-vestibular com idades entre 14 e 44 anos (média de 18 anos) pertencentes a duas instituições de ensino públicas e três particulares do município de Bauru, Estado de São Paulo, a maioria estudantes do 3º ano do ensino médio, com uma renda familiar entre dois e cinco salários mínimos e com preferência de estudo na área de Humanas. Os fatores que mais influenciam na escolha da profissão são: gostar da área de atuação, piso salarial e a afinidade com a disciplina no ensino médio. Na escolha do curso de graduação, os fatores que mais influenciam são: pertencer a uma instituição pública, se identificar com a área e o mercado de trabalho.

Summary Objective The aim of this study was to verify the effect of the voiced oral high-frequency oscillation (VOHFO) on voice quality in acoustic voice symptoms and self-reported sensations in individuals with voice complaints and dysphonic voices, and in individuals with normal voices. Methods The participants, which included 60 individuals from 18 to 45 years of age, both genders, were divided into two groups: G1, 30 individuals without voice complaints and normal voices; and G2, 30 individuals with voice complaints and dysphonic voices. We used the following measures: acoustic analysis, voice and larynx symptom investigation, and phonation time before and after 3 minutes of performing the VOHFO technique. The sensations were reported only after the VOHFO technique. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test ( P ≤ 0.05), paired t test ( P ≤ 0.05), and the Mann-Whitney test ( P ≤ 0.05). Results After the VOHFO, in G1, there was an increased fundamental frequency (both genders), a higher voice turbulence index, and a decrease in dryness symptoms (women); in G2, there was a decrease in the following symptoms: strong voice, dryness and lump in the throat, sensitive throat (women), and roughness and weak voice (men). The phonation measures and sensations did not present differences. The soft phonation index decreased in G1 and increased in G2 (women), in addition to a significant decrease in strong voice and sensitive throat (women) and roughness (men) in G2. Conclusions The VOHFO technique improves the source-filter relationship and the severity of voice and larynx symptoms in dysphonic and normal individuals. Women improved more in terms of larynx symptoms, whereas men improved more in terms of voice symptoms.

This study aimed to compare and correlate musculoskeletal pain and voice-related quality of life of dysphonic and non-dysphonic individuals.This is a retrospective case-control study. A total of 74 adults were divided into two groups: the experimental group (EG) comprising 37 individuals with vocal complaints and hyperfunctional dysphonia, and the control group (CG) comprising 37 individuals without vocal complaints and with healthy voices. Both groups presented similar gender and age (28 females and 9 males for each group; average age = 31.5). All the participants answered the protocols: Voice-Related Quality of Life and Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire. Statistical data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test (P ≤ 0.05) and Spearman correlation test (P ≤ 0.05).It was observed that the EG presented significantly lower scores of voice-related quality of life in the social-emotional (P 0.001), physical (P 0.001), and total (P 0.001) fields. Concerning musculoskeletal pain, it was observed in the EG that there was a higher intensity in pain in the region of the larynx (P 0.001), and a higher frequency of pain in the submandibular (P = 0.013), larynx (P 0.001), and front of the neck (P = 0.002) regions, when compared with the CG.In the group of individuals studied, worst indexes of voice-related quality of life and higher frequency and intensity of pain in the larynx were observed, in addition to higher frequency of pain in regions near the larynx in dysphonic subjects. There was correlation between voice-related quality of life and the frequency and intensity of musculoskeletal pain.

Summary Objectives The primary objective was to analyze and compare the effects of the voiced high-frequency oscillation (VHFO) and Lax Vox techniques in different performance times. The secondary objective was to determine if there were any differences between the exercises in men and women. Methods Thirty volunteers (15 male, 15 female) without vocal complaints or any history of dysphonia participated in this study. The volunteers performed the VHFO and the Lax Vox techniques with a week washout, and the performance times were 1- and 3-minute long with a 15-minute interval. They answered two questionnaires on vocal and laryngopharyngeal symptoms intensity self-assessment and had acoustic measurements (cepstral peak prominence-smoothed – CPPs – , alpha ratio, and L1–L0) obtained, before 1 minute (M0), after 1 minute (M1), and after 3 minutes (M3). They had their sustained vowel /a/ and number counting 1–10 recorded. Data were analyzed by using the repeated measures ANOVA (P Results For vowel /a/, men had higher CPPs and lower alpha ratio values. For number counting, men had lower CPPs values, and for both genders there was an improvement after M1, which remained at M3. For the low-pitched voice symptom, men showed a decrease after M1, regardless of the exercise. Men had better results after VHFO, while women had better results after the Lax Vox technique for the tightness symptom. Regardless of exercise or gender, there was a decrease in tickling and irritated throat after M1, but at M3 their intensity tended to increase. The lump in the throat symptom decreased at M1 and remained at the same intensity at M3 regardless of exercise or gender. Conclusions It is important to be aware of the voice effects and the patient reports when requesting 3 minutes of both exercises. Thus, the conclusion is that the best performance time is 1 minute. For most outcomes, there was no difference between exercises and participants' genders. However, for the low-pitched voice symptom, men benefited more from both exercises, and for tightness, men benefited more from VHFO; in contrast, women benefited more from the Lax Vox technique. Therefore, such gender differences should be considered when choosing these exercises.

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar e comparar os efeitos imediatos da técnica de oscilação oral de alta frequência sonorizada (OOAFS) e sopro sonorizado com tubo de ressonância na autopercepção de sintomas vocais/laríngeos e na qualidade vocal de idosas. Método Participaram 14 mulheres idosas que realizaram as técnicas OOAFS e sopro sonorizado com tubo de ressonância de silicone, com wash-out de uma semana. Todas responderam questões sobre frequência e intensidade dos sintomas vocais/laríngeos; foram submetidas à gravação da vogal sustentada /a/ e contagem de números, para análise perceptivo-auditiva e acústica vocal. Foram extraídos os tempos máximos de fonação (TMF). Em seguida, sorteou-se a técnica a ser realizada: OOAFS ou tubo de ressonância, por três minutos em tom habitual. Após exercício, os mesmos procedimentos da avaliação inicial foram repetidos e as idosas responderam a um questionário de autoavaliação sobre os efeitos das técnicas. Os dados foram comparados antes e após aplicação das técnicas por meio dos testes ANOVA, Wilcoxon e Mann-Whitney; para as sensações vocais após técnicas, aplicou-se teste Quiquadrado(p

Cepstral peak prominence-smoothed (CPPs) and long-term average spectrum (LTAS) are robust measures that represent the glottal source and source-filter interactions, respectively. Until now, little has been known about how physiological events impact auditory&ndash, perceptual characteristics in the objective measures of CPPs and LTAS (alpha ratio, L1&ndash, L0). Thus, this paper aims to analyze the relationship between such acoustic measures and auditory&ndash, perceptual analysis and then determine which acoustic measure best represents voice quality. We analyzed 53 voice samples of vocally healthy participants (vocally healthy group-VHG) and 49 voice samples of participants with behavioral dysphonia (dysphonic group-DG). Each voice sample was composed of sustained vowel /a/ and connected speech. CPPs seem to be the best predictor of voice deviation in both studied populations because there was moderate to strong negative correlations with general degree, breathiness, roughness, and strain (auditory&ndash, perceptual parameters). Regarding L1&ndash, L0, this measure is related to breathiness (moderate negative correlations). Hence, L1&ndash, L0 provides information about air leak through closed glottis, assisting the phonatory efficiency analysis.

Summary Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze the immediate effects of voiced high-frequency oscillation (VHFO) and LaxVox exercises in vocally healthy subjects. Methods Thirty adult subjects (15 women, 15 men) with no history of dysphonia or vocal complaints participated in the study. The subjects performed VHFO and LaxVox techniques for 3 minutes in a random order, with a washout period of 7 days. They answered a questionnaire for vocal/laryngeal intensity symptoms, and had maximum phonation time (MPT) /a/, /s/, /z/, and number counting measured. The vowel /a/ was also recorded before and after both techniques for acoustic analysis. After both techniques, the subjects answered a questionnaire about vocal, laryngeal, respiratory, and articulatory sensations. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon, and paired t and chi-square tests were used (P Results There was an increase in high loudness symptom after LaxVox in women, whereas there was a decrease in painful throat, irritated throat, and low loudness symptoms after VHFO in men. After LaxVox, the MPT of /z/ increased in women and after VHFO, the MPT of /s/, /z/, and number counting increased in men. The fundamental frequency variability increased in women after VHFO. The sensations remained unchanged in both groups following the two exercises in women and men. Conclusions VHFO and LaxVox techniques had similar effects on vocal and laryngeal symptoms, as a matter of fact, in terms of phonatory and acoustic measures. With regard to vocal symptoms, VHFO showed better immediate effects in men than in women. As a result, the hypothesis H0 is partially refuted.

Purpose To review systematically the literature and to analyze the effectiveness of surface electromyographic biofeedback in the rehabilitation of adults with behavioral dysphonia. Research strategies Two authors performed an independent search in the following databases: Clinical Trials, Cochrane Library, Embase, LILACS, PubMed, and Web of Science. A specific search strategy was developed for each database. Selection criteria The review included studies that examined the effectiveness of surface electromyographic biofeedback compared to other direct vocal therapy intervention in adults with behavioral dysphonia. There were no restrictions in regard to language or date of publication. Data analysis Analysis of the risk of bias, heterogeneity, quantitative and qualitative data, sensitivity, subgroups, and publication bias. Results 51 studies were identified, but only two cohort studies remained as prospects for analysis. The studies showed 100% uncertain risk of selection, performance, and detection bias. There was a high degree of clinical heterogeneity. The descriptive analysis showed a reduction in muscle electrical activity and improvement in vocal self-assessment using electromyographic biofeedback; however, it was not possible to calculate the effect size of the interventions. The present study was limited by the fact that it was unable to show a consensus for the majority of data analyzed. Conclusion The available literature does not support a conclusive finding about the effectiveness of surface electromyographic biofeedback compared to other direct interventions used in the rehabilitation of adults with behavioral dysphonia. The studies analyzed vary widely in their clinical procedures and methodology, making it impossible to determine the procedure's effectiveness.

Recently, electrical stimulation in vocal rehabilitation has been the subject of studies. This treatment has shown promising results regarding the decrease of vocal/laryngeal symptoms, pain and the improvement of vocal tension. In addition to decreasing pain symptoms, TENS treatments may lead to muscle relaxation. There is no data on the effects of this resource as a vocal therapy in women with behavioral dysphonia. Research in this area may provide evidence to assist the clinical decision related to the treatment of women with complaints of behavioral dysphonia and musculoskeletal pain. Objective To verify the effects of low-frequency TENS in association with vocal therapy on musculoskeletal pain in women with behavioral dysphonia. Methods Participants included 27 women with vocal nodules randomized into two groups. The experimental group (EG) - 13 women received 12 sessions of TENS (pulse of 200 μs, frequency at 10 Hz, in motor threshold) with electrodes placed bilaterally on the trapezius muscle and submandibular area for 20 min followed by 30 min of vocal therapy, and the control group (CG) - 14 women received 12 sessions of 20 min of a placebo TENS followed by 30 min of vocal therapy. We investigated the frequency and intensity of the musculoskeletal pain in several body regions, as well as the intensity of pain at rest and in the application of pressure with an algometer applied to the descending fibers of the trapezius muscle. The pressure-pain threshold (PPT) was also investigated. All evaluations occurred before, immediately after, and at one and three months after treatment in both groups. Results We observed a reduction in the frequency of pain in the larynx after treatment of both groups, but only the EG showed a decrease in pain intensity in this region. It was verified with an algometer to the trapezius muscle that the electrical stimulation associated with the vocal therapy decreased the intensity of pain during the application of pressure and increased the PPT. There were no significant differences with regard to variables investigated in the comparison between the interventions. On the other hand, there was decreased pain in the trapezius muscle for the EG in comparison to the pre- and post-intervention. Conclusion The vocal therapyprogram reduced the frequency and intensity of the musculoskeletal pain in the regions proximal to the larynx of women with behavioral dysphonia. In addition, TENS followed by vocal therapy increased the threshold of sensitivity to muscular pain in the trapezius, demonstrating that it is a good resource to use in conjunction with traditional vocal therapy in cases of behavioral dysphonia associated with pain and muscle tension.

OBJETIVO:verificar queixas, sintomas vocais e laringofaríngeos e desvantagem vocal de cantores evangélicos, comparando cantores de igrejas tradicionais com cantores de igrejas pentecostais.MÉTODOS:foram analisados 100 cantores evangélicos, de ambos os sexos, divididos em grupos tradicional e pentecostal. Aplicou-se um questionário sobre profissão, autoimagem vocal, queixa, sintomas vocais/laríngeos e o protocolo Índice de Desvantagem Vocal para o Canto Moderno. Os dados obtidos foram analisados estatisticamente por meio do cálculo da média, porcentagem e comparação entre os grupos (Teste de Mann-Whitney com nível de significância 5%).RESULTADOS:a maioria dos cantores evangélicos não utiliza a voz profissionalmente, e 2% têm conhecimentos sobre técnicas e preparação vocal. O tempo em atividades de canto/ensaio varia de 6 a 8 horas semanais e mais da metade do grupo analisado referiu possuir boa voz. Não houve diferenças significantes quanto às queixas vocais e laringofaríngeas, na comparação entre os grupos. Cantores evangélicos tradicionais apresentaram maior frequência do sintoma vocal "voz forte" quando comparados aos cantores pentecostais, considerando o gênero masculino (p=0,002). Cantores pentecostais do gênero feminino referiram pior resultado para incapacidade (p=0,008), desvantagem (p>0,000) e defeito (p=0,004), quando comparados aos cantores tradicionais do gênero feminino.CONCLUSÃO:com exceção do sintoma "voz forte" mais relatado pelos cantores masculinos do Grupo Tradicional, não houve diferenças significantes em relação à queixa vocal e sintomas vocais entre os grupos estudados. Mulheres do grupo Pentecostal apresentaram pior resultado nas três subescalas, revelando maior desvantagem vocal do que mulheres do grupo Tradicional. PURPOSE:to verify complaints, vocal and laryngeal symptoms, and voice handicap in gospel singers, comparing the singers from traditional churches and the pentecostal ones.METHODS:it was analyzed 100 gospel singers from both sexes, divided in traditional and Pentecostal groups. It was addressed a questionnaire about profession, vocal self-image, complaints, vocal/laryngeal symptoms, and the Modern Singing Handicap Index. The obtained data were analyzed statistically using the mean calculus, percentage, and comparison between groups (Mann-Whitney Test with a significance level of 5%).RESULTS:the majority of gospel singers do not use their voices professionally, and 2% have knowledge about techniques and voice prepare. The time of singing activities vary from 6 to 8 hour per week and more than half of studied group reported a good voice. There were no significant differences regarding vocal and laryngeal complaint in the group comparison. Traditional gospel singers had higher occurrence of loud voice when compared to Pentecostal ones, regarding male gender (p=0.002). Female Pentecostal singers reported worst result to disability (p=0.08), handicap (p>0.000), and impairment (p=0.04) when compared to female singers from traditional group.CONCLUSION:With exception from the loud voice symptom often reported by the male traditional singers, there were no significant differences regarding vocal complaint and symptoms between the studied groups. Women from Pentecostal group had worst result in the three subscales, showing higher vocal handicap than women of traditional group.

Summary Objective To verify the effect of the Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and of Laryngeal Manual Therapy (LMT) and to compare the two techniques in relation to vocal/laryngeal symptoms, pain, and vocal quality after these resources were administered in dysphonic women. Study Design Control trial. Method A total of 20 women with bilateral vocal nodules participated. All of the volunteers underwent investigation of vocal/laryngeal symptoms, musculoskeletal pain, and vocal register. The volunteers were subdivided into: 1. TENS Group (10 volunteers)—TENS application; 2. LMT Group (10 volunteers)—LMT application; both groups received 12 sessions of treatment, twice a week, lasting 20 minutes each. After treatment, the initial assessments were repeated. Data were statistically analyzed by Wilcoxon and signal test ( P Results After TENS, there was significant improvement in the "high pitched voice" and "effort to speak" symptoms; there was significantly lower frequency of pain in the posterior neck and shoulder; TENS significantly reduced the intensity of pain in the posterior neck, shoulder, and upper back. The auditory perceptual analysis showed improvement only in the strain parameter after TENS. After LMT, there was improvement of the "sore throat," significantly lower incidence of pain in the anterior neck, and the pain intensity in the posterior neck decreased. Conclusion When compared with the LMT, TENS appeared to be a treatment method intended to be used as a complement to voice therapy, considering the parameters evaluated and controlled.

RESUMO Este trabalho pretende verificar o efeito imediato e em médio prazo na voz e na laringe de dois idosos submetidos à terapia vocal intensiva com progressão de intensidade e frequência vocais e de duração do tempo de fonação. Dois idosos (um homem, 79 anos e uma mulher, 82 anos) com queixa vocal e características de presbilaringe, realizaram 12 sessões de terapia vocal intensiva com progressão de intensidade e frequência da voz e duração do tempo de fonação, durante três semanas. Para analisar o efeito terapêutico foram realizadas avaliações perceptivoauditivas e acústicas da voz, de tempo máximo de fonação (TMF), de autorreferência da qualidade de vida em voz e do comportamento laríngeo nos momentos pré, imediatamente após e um mês depois do processo de terapia vocal. Os valores da maioria das medidas resultantes dessas avaliações indicaram mudanças positivas imediatamente após a terapia vocal para os idosos. Observou-se redução das medidas perceptivoauditivas de desvio da qualidade vocal e diminuição das medidas de perturbação e ruído do sinal acústico, o que indica melhora na voz. Houve elevação da frequência fundamental e, aumento do TMF, além de autorreferência de melhor qualidade de vida em voz. A avaliação das imagens laríngeas não mostrou diferença consistente. Após um mês do término da terapia alguns parâmetros pioraram em relação ao momento pós-imediato, mesmo assim, permaneceram melhores em relação ao momento pré-terapia. Desta forma os resultados da proposta terapêutica são promissores e seus efeitos devem ser pesquisados em estudos clínicos controlados para verificar sua eficácia em idosos.

Summary Purpose This study aimed to verify the immediate effect of low-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and laryngeal manual therapy (LMT) in musculoskeletal pain, voice quality, and self-reported signs in women with dysphonia. Method Thirty women with behavioral dysphonia were randomly divided into the TENS group and the LMT group. All participants fulfilled the pain survey and had their voices recorded to posterior perceptual and acoustic analysis before and after intervention. The TENS group received a unique low-frequency TENS session (20 minutes). The LMT group received LMT (20 minutes) with soft and superficial massage in the sternocleidomastoid muscle, suprahyoid muscles, and larynx. Afterward, the volunteers reported their voice, larynx, breathing, and articulatory signs. Pre and post data were compared by parametric and nonparametric tests. Results After TENS, a decrease in pain intensity in the posterior or anterior region of the neck, shoulders, upper or lower back, and masseter was observed. After LMT, a decrease in pain intensity in the neck anterior region, shoulders, lower back, and temporal region was observed. Also, after TENS, there was an improvement in vowel /a/ instability; after LMT, there was a general improvement in voice quality, decrease in tension, and decrease in breathiness in speech. Positive voice and laryngeal signs were reported after TENS, and positive laryngeal signs and articulation were reported after LMT. Conclusion TENS and LMT may be used in voice treatment of women with behavioral dysphonia, and both may be considered important therapy resources that reduce musculoskeletal pain and cause positive laryngeal signs. Both TENS and LMT are able to partially improve voice quality, but TENS presented better results.

Summary Objectives The aim of this study was to verify the effects of the method Vocal Therapy for the Elderly and the differences in treatment efficacy when it was administered intensively or in the conventional way. Methods Twenty-seven elderly individuals were randomized into two groups and referred for 16 sessions of vocal therapy. The Intensive Group (IG) had therapy four times a week, whereas the Conventional Group had it twice a week. The effects of the therapy were assessed by auditory-perceptual analysis, the Voice-Related Quality of Life protocol, and visual-perceptive analysis of laryngoscopy examinations. The first stage consisted of evaluating the vocal quality and self-assessment of 15 subjects before and after a time period equal to that which they would undergo in vocal therapy. The second stage consisted of comparing the assessments of all participants in the week preceding the beginning of treatment, in the week following the end of treatment, and 1 month after that. Results There was no difference between perceptual voice parameters and self-assessment when the subjects were not undergoing therapy. When comparing the periods immediately before and after therapy, there was improvement in vocal quality and Voice-Related Quality of Life. One month later, the benefits that had been revealed through the self-assessment protocol, and some of the improvements in vocal parameters were maintained. There was no difference between the IG and Conventional Group with the exception of vocal fold bowing, which decreased in the IG group. Conclusions The Vocal Therapy for the Elderly program is effective for treating voice presbyphonia. An intensive approach may be superior with regard to vocal fold bowing.

Introdução: Para o tratamento das disfonias comportamentais associadas à tensão muscular são recomendadas técnicas de relaxamento cervical e laríngeo, concomitantemente à estimulação da onda de mucosa das pregas vocais, bem como adequação do fechamento glótico e suavização da emissão. Nesse sentido, o recurso da Estimulação Elétrica Nervosa Transcutânea (TENS), corrente elétrica aplicada por meio de eletrodos de superfície, tem sido utilizada no tratamento vocal de mulheres com nódulos vocais. Esta prática tem demonstrado bons resultados na qualidade vocal e na redução da dor muscular, porém, verifica-se escassez de comprovação científica dos seus efeitos somados à terapia vocal. Objetivo: verificar a efetividade da TENS de baixa frequência associada à terapia vocal no tratamento de voz em mulheres disfônicas. Método: Este estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa em Seres Humanos, número 556.273. Participaram 27 mulheres com nódulos vocais, de 18 a 45 anos de idade (média de 33 anos de idade), divididas, de forma randomizada, em: Grupo Experimental (GE) 13 mulheres que receberam 12 sessões de aplicação de TENS (pulso: 200 μs, frequência: 10 Hz, no limiar motor), com eletrodos posicionados no músculo trapézio - fibras descendentes e na região submandibular, bilateralmente, por 20 minutos, associada a 30 minutos de terapia vocal; e Grupo Controle (GC) 14 mulheres que receberam 12 sessões de aplicação de TENS placebo (mesmas condições do GE, incluindo posicionamento dos eletrodos, porém sem receber o estímulo em forma de corrente elétrica) por 20 minutos, associada a 30 minutos de terapia vocal. Todas foram submetidas à avaliação da qualidade vocal por meio das análises perceptivo-auditiva e acústica da voz; da laringe por meio de análise perceptivo-visual; autopercepção sobre a voz, qualidade de vida por meio do protocolo de Qualidade de Vida em Voz (QVV); queixas e sintomas vocais/laríngeos e dor musculoesquelética, antes, imediatamente após o tratamento e um mês após. Resultados: Observou-se, após análise estatística, que não houve modificação da qualidade vocal em ambos os grupos tratados. Verificou-se na análise acústica diminuição do parâmetro acústico Índice de Fonação Suave (SPI) imediatamente após tratamento e um mês após, em ambos os grupos. Em relação à laringe, observou-se melhora do tamanho da lesão nas pregas vocais apenas no GE, imediatamente após tratamento e um mês após.Não houve diferença significativa quanto à qualidade de vida em voz, em ambos os grupos. Houve melhora na autopercepção da voz em ambos os grupos, após o tratamento, assim como os sintomas vocais/laríngeos e de dor musculoesquelética se apresentaram em menor ocorrência após tratamento e um mês após. Conclusão: A TENS de baixa frequência associada à terapia vocal foi efetiva em relação à diminuição da lesão das pregas vocais em mulheres disfônicas. A associação da TENS com a terapia vocal produziu resultados semelhantes à terapia vocal, em relação à qualidade da voz, autopercepção e qualidade de vida em voz, sintomas vocais e dor musculoesquelética. Introduction: For the treatment of the behavior dysphonia associated muscle tension are recommended techniques of cervical and laryngeal relaxation, concurrently with stimulation of the mucosa wave of the vocal folds, such as adequacy of glottal closure and smoothing the emission. Thereby, the use of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), electrical current applied through surface electrodes, have been used in the vocal treatment of women with vocal nodules. This practice has shown good results in vocal quality and in reducing muscle pain, however, there are few scientific evidence about their effects added to voice therapy. Proposal: to verify the effectiveness of low frequency TENS associated with voice therapy on vocal quality and laryngeal dysphonic women. Methods: This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee, number 556.273. Twenty seven women with vocal nodules participated, 18-45 years of age (mean 33 years), divided, randomly into: experimental group (EG) - 13 women who received 12 sessions of application TENS (pulse: 200 μs, frequency 10 Hz, motor threshold), with electrodes placed on the trapezius muscle descending fibers and submandibular area, bilaterally, for 20 minutes, associated with 30 minutes of vocal therapy; and Control Group (CG) - 14 women who received 12 sessions of application TENS placebo (same conditions as EG, including the placed of the electrodes, but without receiving the stimulus in the form of electrical current) for 20 minutes, associated with 30 minutes of vocal therapy. All were submitted to vocal quality through auditory perceptual and acoustic voice analyzes; ENT evaluation through visual perceptual analysis; vocal self-perception; voice-related quality of life through the Voice-Related Quality of Life Protocol (V-RQOL); complaints and vocal/laryngeal and musculoskeletal pain symptoms, before, immediately after treatment and one month after. Results: It was observed, after statistical analysis, that there was no change vocal quality in both treated groups. In the acoustic analysis, there was decrease of the Soft Phonation Index (SPI) parameter, immediately after treatment and one month after, in both groups. In relation to larynx, there was improvement in the size of the lesion on the vocal folds only GE, immediately after treatment and one month after. There was no significant difference in the voice related quality of life, in both groups. There was improvement in the vocal self-perception in both groups after treatment, as well as lower frequency of the voice/laryngeal and musculoskeletal pain symptoms present immediately after treatment and one month after. Conclusion: The low frequency TENS associated with vocal therapy was effective in the reduction of the size of the lesion on the vocal folds in dysphonic women. The association of the TENS with vocal therapy produced similar results to vocal therapy, in relation to vocal quality, self-perception and voice-related quality of life, vocal and musculoskeletal pain symptoms.

Summary Objectives The aim of this study was to review systematically the literature and to analyze the effectiveness of laryngeal manual therapy in addressing the overall severity of vocal deviation, the intensity of vocal and laryngeal symptoms, and musculoskeletal pain in adults with behavioral dysphonia. Study Design This is a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods Two independent authors selected clinical trials that analyzed the effectiveness of laryngeal manual therapy compared with other interventions in the treatment of adults with behavioral dysphonia from the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, and LILACS. The analyzed outcomes were the overall severity of vocal deviation, the intensity of vocal and laryngeal symptoms, and musculoskeletal pain. Data analysis was conducted based on the following steps: the assessment of the risk of bias, the measures of treatment effect and descriptive data analysis, the assessment of heterogeneity, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and the assessment of reporting biases. Results A total of 2135 studies were identified, three of which met the selection criteria. Data analysis showed an unclear risk of 100% of performance bias and 66% of detection bias, in addition to a 33% high risk of selection bias. Low statistical and clinical heterogeneities were found. In addition, no significant difference was found in the relative risk of improvement with laryngeal manual therapy and with other interventions in the analyzed outcomes. Conclusions Various types of laryngeal manual therapies are available with similar objectives and effects, but their effectiveness is equivalent to that of other interventions involving direct voice therapy in the rehabilitation of adults with behavioral dysphonia.

Objective:To investigate the location, frequency and intensity of muscle pain in dysphonic functional/organofunctional women in comparison to women with healthy voices.Methods:Sixty women, ranging in age from 18 to 45 years, divided into two groups: Dysphonic Group (DG) – 30 women with functional or organofunctional dysphonia; Non-Dysphonic Group (NDG) – 30 women without vocal complaints, and with adapted voices. All answered a protocol, marking the localization, frequency and intensity symptoms of pain on the temporal area, masseters, submandibular areas, larynx/pharynx, front and back of the neck, shoulders, upper back, lower back, elbows, fists/hands/fingers, hip/this, knees and ankles/feet. The volunteer should report the frequency in which pain was present in the last 12 months: no, rarely, frequently or always. The intensity of pain was measured by visual-analogue scales. The DG and NDG groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney test (p

Summary Objectives To investigate musculoskeletal pain, vocal fatigue, and voice-related quality of life of tele-operators and compare these aspects with nonvoice-related professionals; and verify if there is a relationship between musculoskeletal pain and vocal fatigue and voice-related quality of life (V-RQOL) of tele-operators and nonvoice-related professionals. Methods Thirty-five tele-operators (SG) and 35 nonvoice-related professionals with no vocal complaints (control group) participated in the study. All of them answered investigating questionnaires of musculoskeletal pain, vocal fatigue index, and V-RQOL. The data were statistically analyzed in aim to compare the groups and the association between variables. Results Women from SG presented higher pain frequency in their upper back than women from control group (P = 0.039). Different correlations were observed between musculoskeletal pain and vocal fatigue, just as between musculoskeletal pain and V-RQOLindex, for men and women in both groups. However, men presented a higher number or correlations between the protocols than women from both groups. Conclusion Female tele-operators presented higher pain frequency on their upper back when compared to nonvoice-related professional women. Musculoskeletal pain has a negative impact on voice-related quality of life and on the increase of vocal fatigue during oral communication, regardless of the professional use of the voice.

Summary Objective To analyze the effectiveness of vocal therapy associated with electromyographic biofeedback in women with behavioral dysphonia. Materials and methods This is a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial. Twenty-two adult women with behavioral dysphonia were randomly divided into two groups: Experimental Group—11 women participated in vocal therapy associated with the application of electromyographic biofeedback; Placebo Group—11 women participated in vocal therapy associated with the application of placebo electromyographic biofeedback. Both groups performed eight therapy sessions, twice a week, lasting 30 minutes. The vocal therapy of both groups was composed of semioccluded vocal tract exercises (trill, humming, and fricative). The evaluations were performed at four time points—before, after, one, and three months after the vocal therapy—and will consist of the following assessments: auditory-perceptual evaluation of voice, acoustic evaluation of voice, and surface electromyographic. The data were analyzed statistically comparing the groups and the time of evaluation (P Results The proposed vocal therapy promoted positive results in vocal quality and muscular electrical activity during rest in women with behavioral dysphonia for both groups. Electromyographic biofeedback promoted additional positive results in muscle electrical activity during phonatory tasks in women with behavioral dysphonia. Conclusion In this study, the vocal therapy associated with electromyographic biofeedback had equivalent efficacy to traditional therapy in the voice. The biofeedback was more effective than traditional therapy on muscular electrical activity and had effects that remained for a longer time in women with behavioral dysphonia.

Summary Objective This study aims to propose and analyze the effect of a voice therapy program (VTP) in women with behavioral dysphonia. Materials and Methods This is a controlled, blinded, and nonrandomized cohort study. Participants of this study were 22 women with behavioral dysphonia divided into two groups: G1, 11 women with behavioral dysphonia who received the VTP, and G2, 11 women with behavioral dysphonia who did not receive any intervention. Before and after 6 weeks, the outcome variables evaluated in both groups were auditory-perceptual evaluation of the global degree of vocal quality (vowel /a/ and counting), instrumental acoustic parameters, Voice-Related Quality of Life, vocal and larynx symptoms, and musculoskeletal pain. The statistical analysis used the Wilcoxon, chi-square, and Mann-Whitney tests (P Results After 6 weeks, we observed a significantly higher improvement in the general degree of vocal deviation in vowels, a reduced F0 and symptom of “fatigue while talking” in G1, and an increased “shoulder” pain intensity in G2. Both groups showed improvement in the socioemotional domain of Voice-Related Quality of Life. In addition, the comparison between the groups showed a significantly greater reduction in fundamental frequency and the “voice loss” symptom in G1 compared with G2. Conclusions The VTP using semioccluded vocal tract exercises obtained a positive effect on voice quality, symptoms, and musculoskeletal pain in women with behavioral dysphonia. The proposal, based on the taxonomy of voice therapy, seems to have promoted a phonatory balance, muscle relaxation, and improvement in the vocal resistance of this population.

OBJETIVO: conhecer a auto-imagem, dificuldades e presença de sintomas negativos após o canto em coralistas amadores com diferentes classificações vocais, idades e experiência. MÉTODO: cento e vinte e cinco cantores responderam a um questionário que abordou dados de identificação, informações sobre a auto-imagem da voz cantada, dificuldades apresentadas no canto e ocorrência ou não de sintomas vocais após o canto. RESULTADOS: a comparação por naipes evidenciou maior dificuldade na emissão de sons agudos para os contraltos e baixos, maior dificuldade na emissão graves para os sopranos, maior dificuldade na transição de registro grave para agudo para os baixos, e maior cansaço vocal para os contraltos. Na divisão por idade, tanto adultos jovens e adultos referiram maior soprosidade do que os idosos. Os adultos referiram melhor intensidade vocal do que adultos jovens. Os adultos jovens consideraram seu timbre de voz adequado mais frequentemente do que adultos. Em relação à experiência, os cantores menos experientes referiram percepção de voz rouca em maior número do que os cantores mais experientes, que referiram apresentar intensidade adequada durante o canto em maior número do que os demais. Cantores menos experientes referiram maior ocorrência de rouquidão após o canto do que cantores mais experientes. CONCLUSÃO: as dificuldades encontradas no canto estão atreladas ao naipe, e não dependem da idade e nem da experiência. Sintomas estão relacionados ao naipe e ao grau de experiência com o canto. A auto-imagem vocal negativa também está relacionada ao naipe e ao nível de experiência, sendo que a auto-imagem positiva é mais comum em cantores experientes.

To compare vocal and acoustic parameters of HIV-infected children and non-HIV-infected children.Vocal samples were submitted to auditory-perceptual and acoustic analysis. Samples of the sustained vowel /ε/ and continuous speech of 74 children between 6 and incomplete 12 years old were analyzed, divided into two groups: 37 HIV-infected children (GHIV) and 37 non-HIV-infected children, the control group (CG), age and gender-matched and without previous vocal evaluation; they were all prepubescent by the Tanner Stages (MS, 2014). The children had their voices recorded and analyzed by VoxMetria 5.1, in the period between 2014 and 2015. The auditory-perceptual analysis assessed the overall degree of the vocal quality and was performed using a 100-point visual analogue scale, transformed into a 4 point numerical scale (0 = no vocal deviation and 4 = severe vocal deviation). The acoustic evaluation was based on the analysis of the vocal sample distribution in the Phonatory Deviation Diagram (PDD). The research was approved by the Ethics Committee under the number 122.746.In the auditory-perceptual analysis, most children of both groups were evaluated as with no vocal deviation. No difference between the groups was found in the acoustic analysis using the PDD; most voice samples were within the normality area, in the quadrant 1, with a spread density distribution and a vertical shape.HIV-infected children presented similar vocal quality to children without the illness, both for the perceptual-auditory and acoustic evaluation.Comparar parâmetros vocais e acústicos de crianças infectadas e não infectadas pelo HIV (Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana).Amostras vocais foram submetidas às análises perceptivo-auditiva e acústica. Foram analisadas amostras da vogal sustentada /ε/ e da fala encadeada de 74 crianças entre seis e 12 anos incompletos, divididas em dois grupos: 37 crianças infectadas pelo HIV (GHIV) e 37 crianças não infectadas pelo HIV (Grupo Controle=GC), pareadas por idade e gênero, e sem avaliação vocal prévia; todas as crianças eram pré-púberes, pelos Critérios de Tanner (MS, 2014). As crianças tiveram suas vozes gravadas e analisadas pelo programa VoxMetria 5.1, no período de 2014 a 2015. A análise perceptivo-auditiva avaliou o grau geral da qualidade vocal e foi realizada utilizando-se a escala analógico-visual (EAV) de 100 pontos, transformada em escala numérica de 4 pontos (0- ausência de desvio e 4- desvio intenso). A avaliação acústica constou da análise da distribuição da amostra vocal no Diagrama de Desvio Fonatório (DDF). A pesquisa foi aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa em Seres Humanos, sob o número 122.746.Na análise perceptivo-auditiva, a maioria das crianças de ambos os grupos foi avaliada como apresentando vozes sem desvio, grau 0 na escala numérica. Na análise acústica, não houve diferença entre os grupos na distribuição das amostras no DDF, com a maioria das amostras na área de normalidade, no primeiro quadrante, com distribuição de densidade ampliada e forma vertical.Crianças infectadas pelo HIV apresentaram vozes semelhantes às de crianças sem a doença, tanto do ponto de vista auditivo quanto acústico.

RESUMO Objetivo correlacionar os sintomas de desconforto do trato vocal e desvantagem de voz percebida em homens e mulheres cantores evangélicos. Método participaram 100 cantores evangélicos, 50 do gênero masculino e 50 do feminino. Todos os participantes responderam a dois questionários: Escala de Desconforto do trato vocal (EDTV) e o Índice de Desvantagem para o Canto Moderno (IDCM). Foi realizada a comparação entre os gêneros, tanto em relação aos sintomas do trato vocal como em relação aos índices de IDCM, por meio do teste Mann-Whitney. Para a correlação entre as respostas na Escala de Desconforto no Trato Vocal e IDCM, foi utilizado o teste de Correlação de Sperman (p

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar e comparar os efeitos da terapia manual laríngea (TML) e da estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea (TENS) na diadococinesia laríngea de mulheres disfônicas. Método Participaram 20 mulheres com nódulos vocais, divididas igualmente por sorteio em: Grupo TML–aplicação de TML; Grupo TENS–aplicação de TENS; ambos receberam 12 sessões de tratamento, duas vezes por semana, 20 minutos cada, pelo mesmo terapeuta. As mulheres foram avaliadas quanto à diadococinesia (DDC) laríngea em três momentos, diagnóstico, pré-tratamento e pós-tratamento, o que produziu três grupos de medidas. A gravação da DDC foi realizada por meio da repetição entrecortada das vogais: /a/ e /i/. A análise da DDC foi realizada pelo programa Motor Speech Profile Advanced (MSP)-KayPentax. Os parâmetros da DDC das três avaliações foram comparados entre si pelo teste t pareado (p≤0,05). Resultados Parâmetros DDC se apresentaram semelhantes na fase sem tratamento, indicando que não houve variabilidade individual ao longo do tempo. Não houve modificação em relação à velocidade da DDC após intervenções, mas após TML, a DDC da vogal /i/ se apresentou mais estável em relação à duração do período e à intensidade das emissões. Estes resultados indicam que TML melhorou a coordenação de movimentos das pregas vocais à fonação. Não houve modificações dos parâmetros da DDC em relação à estabilidade das emissões após TENS. Conclusão TML promove maior regularidade de movimentos diadococinéticos das pregas vocais em mulheres disfônicas, o que amplia o conhecimento sobre o efeito do reequilíbrio da musculatura laríngea na função fonatória, já TENS não proporciona efeitos na diadococinesia laríngea.

RESUMO Objetivo Comparar parâmetros vocais e acústicos de crianças infectadas e não infectadas pelo HIV (Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana). Método Amostras vocais foram submetidas às análises perceptivo-auditiva e acústica. Foram analisadas amostras da vogal sustentada /ε/ e da fala encadeada de 74 crianças entre seis e 12 anos incompletos, divididas em dois grupos: 37 crianças infectadas pelo HIV (GHIV) e 37 crianças não infectadas pelo HIV (Grupo Controle=GC), pareadas por idade e gênero, e sem avaliação vocal prévia; todas as crianças eram pré-púberes, pelos Critérios de Tanner (MS, 2014). As crianças tiveram suas vozes gravadas e analisadas pelo programa VoxMetria 5.1, no período de 2014 a 2015. A análise perceptivo-auditiva avaliou o grau geral da qualidade vocal e foi realizada utilizando-se a escala analógico-visual (EAV) de 100 pontos, transformada em escala numérica de 4 pontos (0- ausência de desvio e 4- desvio intenso). A avaliação acústica constou da análise da distribuição da amostra vocal no Diagrama de Desvio Fonatório (DDF). A pesquisa foi aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa em Seres Humanos, sob o número 122.746. Resultados Na análise perceptivo-auditiva, a maioria das crianças de ambos os grupos foi avaliada como apresentando vozes sem desvio, grau 0 na escala numérica. Na análise acústica, não houve diferença entre os grupos na distribuição das amostras no DDF, com a maioria das amostras na área de normalidade, no primeiro quadrante, com distribuição de densidade ampliada e forma vertical. Conclusão Crianças infectadas pelo HIV apresentaram vozes semelhantes às de crianças sem a doença, tanto do ponto de vista auditivo quanto acústico. ABSTRACT Purpose To compare vocal and acoustic parameters of HIV-infected children and non-HIV-infected children. Methods Vocal samples were submitted to auditory-perceptual and acoustic analysis. Samples of the sustained vowel /ε/ and continuous speech of 74 children between 6 and incomplete 12 years old were analyzed, divided into two groups: 37 HIV-infected children (GHIV) and 37 non-HIV-infected children, the control group (CG), age and gender-matched and without previous vocal evaluation; they were all prepubescent by the Tanner Stages (MS, 2014). The children had their voices recorded and analyzed by VoxMetria 5.1, in the period between 2014 and 2015. The auditory-perceptual analysis assessed the overall degree of the vocal quality and was performed using a 100-point visual analogue scale, transformed into a 4 point numerical scale (0 = no vocal deviation and 4 = severe vocal deviation). The acoustic evaluation was based on the analysis of the vocal sample distribution in the Phonatory Deviation Diagram (PDD). The research was approved by the Ethics Committee under the number 122.746. Results In the auditory-perceptual analysis, most children of both groups were evaluated as with no vocal deviation. No difference between the groups was found in the acoustic analysis using the PDD; most voice samples were within the normality area, in the quadrant 1, with a spread density distribution and a vertical shape. Conclusion HIV-infected children presented similar vocal quality to children without the illness, both for the perceptual-auditory and acoustic evaluation.

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar e comparar, em atores profissionais e estudantes de teatro, os aspectos relacionados à prática profissional, ao uso profissional da voz, hábitos e cuidados vocais, hábitos de saúde e condições ambientais no trabalho. Métodos: participaram 60 sujeitos de ambos os sexos, subdivididos em 2 grupos: Grupo Profissional - atores profissionais de teatro e Grupo Alunos - alunos de teatro sem experiência profissional teatral. Ambos os grupos responderam a um questionário que abordou aspectos relacionados à prática profissional, à voz, hábitos vocais, de saúde, condições ambientais e cuidados vocais. Resultados: os indivíduos do Grupo Profissional apresentaram maior ocorrência de rouquidão; maior ocorrência dos hábitos de usar a voz profissional quando está gripado, em posturas corporais e com respiração inadequadas, gritar, e permanecer em local com mofo ou pouca ventilação, fechado e empoeirado, e realizar ensaio em local diferente do local do espetáculo. O hábito de saúde de ingerir bebidas geladas foi maior no Grupo Alunos. O número de sujeitos que não possuem dificuldade em cena e que realizam aquecimento vocal é significantemente maior no Grupo Profissional. O tipo de aquecimento realizado significantemente mais pelo Grupo Profissional foi som de "s", respiração costo-diafragmática, som basal e vogais. Conclusão: constatou-se que ambos os grupos realizam hábitos prejudiciais e estão expostos a ambiente de trabalho inadequado para saúde vocal. Estes dados apontam a necessidade de ações de saúde vocal, a fim de minimizar o risco de alterações vocais nos profissionais e preparar os estudantes para o aumento da demanda vocal. ABSTRACT Purpose: to identify and to compare voice patterns related to professional exercise, voice usage, habits and voice care, health habits and work environment conditions of actors and drama students. Methods: 60 subjects, both male and female, divided in 2 groups: Professional group - professional drama actors, and Students group - drama students without professional experience. Both groups answered to a questionnaire about professional practice, voice, vocal habits, health, environment conditions, and voice care. Results: professional group subjects had higher occurrence than the students in the following aspects: roughness, professional voice use during cold/flu episodes, while improper body posture and breathing, shouting/yelling, and standing in places having mold or little ventilation, dust and closed, also rehearsing in other places that not the theater. Students reported drinking more cold beverages than professional actors. The number of subjects performing vocal warm up and not having difficulty during scenes is higher in Professional group than students. The type of vocal warm up significantly more used by Professional group was the sound /s/ using diaphragmatic breathing, vocal fry and vowels. Conclusion: both groups have harmful habits and are exposed to improper work environment to voice health. These data point out the need of voice health actions in order to minimize the risk of voice disorders in professionals and to prepare students to increasing voice load.

Summary Purpose To compare and to correlate the performance of women with behavioral dysphonia and without voice disorders in auditory processing tests and in the Voice Tone Reproduction Test (VTRT). Methods Forty women aged from 18 to 44 years participated and were divided in two groups: dysphonic (DG) and non-dysphonic (NDG). The participants underwent interview, hearing, otorhinolaryngology and voice assessments (voice record, VTRT through phonetography), and auditory processing assessment—using the Pitch Pattern Sequence (PPS) test and the Duration Pattern Sequence (DPS) test. The statistical analysis compared both groups, and there was a correlation test (P Results The NDG had a better performance in the PPS test (P = 0.000), in the VTRT test in the first attempt (P = 0.025), and in the total of correct answers (P = 0.017). There was a positive correlation between the PPS and both the first attempt of the VTRT and the total number of attempts. Regarding the DPS, there was a positive correlation for the left ear with the total number of VTRT attempts. Conclusions Dysphonic women presented disorders in temporal auditory processing skills, revealing an important relation between vocal production and impairment of some central auditory functions. There was a positive correlation between the performance in the auditory processing assessment and the performance in voice tone reproduction in both groups. The VTRT may assist speech therapists and voice trainers in verifying difficulties of auditory perception of dysphonic women when the cause is due to behavioral tdysphonia.

Purpose: To determine the cut-off values of different degrees of vocal roughness and breathiness in an analogical visual scale, from a numerical scale. Methods: We selected 150 voices from both genders, with quality ranging from neutrality to intense deviations, and predominance of breathiness or roughness. The auditory-perceptual assessment through two scales: 100-mm analogical visual scales and 4-point numerical scale. Intra and interrater reliability of auditory-perceptual ratings was analyzed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient. The cut-off values for graduation of roughness and breathiness voices were determinate using the analysis of the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, which is based on the sensitivity, specificity and efficiency. Results: The intra and interrater reliability of auditory-perceptual ratings was excellent on both scales. The cut-off values (mm) in the analogical visual scale, from the numeric scale, indicated a roughness distribution: 0-8.5 absence of the parameter; 8.5- 28.5 mild presence; 28.5- 59.5 moderate and 59.5- 100 intense. For breathiness, the distribution was: 0-8.5 absence of the parameter; 8.5-33.5 for mild presence; 33.5-52.5 moderate and 52.5-100 intense. Conclusion: The cut-off values found for the analogical visual scale conclude that the numerical scale zero, which represents the absence of parameter, corresponds to a small range of scores in the analogical visual scale. Furthermore, the third degree of the numerical scale corresponded to a wide range of the analogical visual scale.

Estudar os disturbios da mastigacao e degluticao na Disfuncao Temporomandibular (DTM). OBJETIVO: Investigar as disfuncoes de mastigacao e degluticao na DTM em grau grave, com indicacao cirurgica. MATERIAIS E METODOS: O estudo clinico e experimental verificou dez individuos com DTM, submetidos a videofluoroscopia da degluticao. Verificou-se ausencia de dentes posteriores, dor em musculos da mastigacao e substituicoes de alimentos, privilegiando-se consistencias pastosas. A avaliacao das fases oral e faringea abordou os seguintes aspectos: lado de inicio e lado preferencial para mastigacao, escape prematuro, permanencia de residuos alimentares na cavidade oral e recessos faringeos, numero de degluticoes necessarias, presenca de penetracao laringea e/ou aspiracao traqueal. RESULTADOS: Durante a mastigacao e fase oral, observaram-se movimentos compensatorios de lingua a mastigacao (n = 7; 70%), escape prematuro (n = 4; 40%), residuos na cavidade apos a degluticao (n = 5; 50%) e numero excessivo de degluticoes (n = 5; 50%). Na fase faringea, observou-se permanencia de residuos em valecula (n = 6; 60%), residuos em seios piriformes (n = 4; 40%); penetracao laringea (n = 1; 10%) e aspiracao traqueal (n = 4; 40%). CONCLUSAO: Pacientes com DTM podem apresentar alteracoes nos padroes de mastigacao e degluticao, com penetracao laringea e/ou aspiracao traqueal. O estudo indica a necessidade de avaliacao multidisciplinar devido a presenca de disfagia em pacientes com DTM.

OBJETIVO: verificar o efeito imediato das técnicas vocais vibração, som nasal e sobrearticulação na voz e na laringe de mulheres sem queixas vocais. MÉTODO: participaram da pesquisa 32 sujeitos do sexo feminino, com idades entre 20 e 45 anos, sem queixas vocais, com qualidade vocal avaliada entre normal e alteração de grau leve Os sujeitos foram submetidos à análise perceptivo-auditiva pela escala visual analógica da vogal /ε/ e fala espontânea, análise acústica e laringoestroboscopia antes e após a realização das técnicas. RESULTADOS: a análise perceptivo-auditiva revelou melhora significante dos parâmetros impressão global da voz, rouquidão e estabilidade na vogal /ε/ e articulação na fala espontânea. A análise acústica evidenciou melhora significante do jitter e shimmer. A laringoestroboscopia evidenciou significante melhora no fechamento glótico e melhora na movimentação muco-ondulatória das pregas vocais. CONCLUSÃO: as técnicas vocais estudadas são capazes de proporcionar melhora imediata significante da qualidade vocal e da configuração laríngea. PURPOSE: to check the immediate effect of vocal techniques: vibration, nasal sound and overarticulation. METHOD: 32 female subjects with normal to mild dysphonia took part in the study, with ages from 20 to 45 years. Subjects were submitted to perceptual analysis and laryngostroboscopic exams before and after the use of vocal techniques. RESULTS: subjects' vocal classification in perceptual analysis after accomplishing the vocal techniques showed significant improvement on parameters voice global impression, hoarseness and stability; and, in spontaneous speech, one showed a significant improvement on the parameter articulation. The acoustic analysis evidenced significant improvement of the jitter and shimmer. Laryngostroboscopic examination evidenced a significant increase in the glottic closing and an increase in the mucondulatory movement of the vocal folds. The results found in perceptual evaluation are compatible with some studies in the literature on the effect concerning the application of vocal techniques. However, laryngological findings identified significant improvements that are rarely described in the literature. CONCLUSION: the studied vocal techniques are capable to provide significant immediate improvement of vocal quality and laryngeal configuration.