Voice Function Differences Following Resting Breathing Versus Submaximal Exercise

SummaryObjectives/HypothesisThere is little known about how physical exercise may alter physiological parameters of voice production. In this investigation, vocal function and upper airway temperature were examined following a bout of submaximal exercise and compared with a resting breathing condition. It was hypothesized that phonation threshold pressure (PTP) and perceived phonatory effort (PPE) would increase and pharyngeal temperature would decrease following an exercise bout.Study DesignUsing a within-participant repeated measures design, 18 consented participants (nine men and nine women) completed the study.MethodsA 20-minute equilibration task was immediately followed by 8 minutes of submaximal exercise on a stationary bike in a thermally neutral environment (25°C/40% RH). At the end of the equilibration trial and the exercise trial, measures were taken in the following order: pharyngeal temperature, PTP, and PPE. Data were analyzed using paired t tests with significance set at P < 0.05.ResultsSignificantly increased PTP and PPE and significantly decreased pharyngeal temperature (1.9°C) were found, supporting the initial hypotheses.ConclusionsFindings from this investigation support the widely held belief that voice use associated with physical activity requires additional laryngeal effort and closure forces. The effect of the temperature reduction in the upper airway on voice function requires further study.