Ventilation and speech characteristics during submaximal aerobic exercise.

Purpose: This study examined alterations in ventilation and speech characteristics as well as perceived dyspnea during submaximal aerobic exercise tasks.

Method: Twelve healthy participants completed aerobic exercise-only and simultaneous speaking and aerobic exercise tasks at 50% and 75% of their maximum oxygen consumption (VO(2) max). Measures of ventilation, oxygen consumption, heart rate, perceived dyspnea, syllables per phrase, articulation rate, and inappropriate linguistic pause placements were obtained at baseline and throughout the experimental tasks.

Vibratory source, vocal quality and fundamental frequency following pediatric laryngotracheal reconstruction.

Objective: Surgeons who perform pediatric laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) have traditionally measured outcomes based on successful airway restoration. Additional information regarding post-surgical vocal function may help guide outcomes toward optimal voice. This investigation documented the relationship between the site of vocal tract vibratory source (glottic versus supraglottic versus mixed) and vocal function in children following LTR.

Inspiratory pressure threshold training for upper airway limitation: a case of bilateral abductor vocal fold paralysis.

A single subject design was used to determine if pressure threshold training strengthens the inspiratory muscles in a subject with a limited glottal airway as well as diminish dyspnea and improve parameters of speech. The subject was a 19-year-old woman whose glottal airway was limited due to bilateral abductor vocal fold paralysis following a thyroidectomy. A 5-week inspiratory muscle strength-training program was implemented using a pressure-threshold trainer to strengthen the inspiratory muscles with the intent of enabling the generation of higher inspiratory pressures.

Inspiratory pressure threshold training in a case of congenital bilateral abductor vocal fold paralysis.

We present a non-surgical treatment option to decrease symptoms of dyspnea in a 6 year-old child with congenital bilateral abductor vocal fold paralysis. A respiratory muscle strength-training program was used to strengthen her inspiratory muscles for 8 months, 3 to 5 days per week. Inspiratory muscle strength increased over the course of training, resulting in reported decreases in dyspnea by both the child and parents during speech and exercise.