A Comparison of the Effects of Phonation into a Positive Expiratory Pressure Device and Silicone Tube in Water on the Vocal Mechanism.

Objectives: Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) devices have become an additional therapeutic approach for treating voice disorders. Similar to water resistance therapy (WRT), phonation in a PEP device introduces a secondary source of vibration within the vocal tract. This investigation aimed to compare the effects of phonation using a PEP device and silicone tube phonation (STP) commonly used in WRT on the vocal mechanism during phonation.

Pressure, Flow, and Glottal Area Waveform Profile Changes During Phonation Using the Acapella Choice Device.

Introduction: Vibratory positive expiratory pressure (PEP) devices are now commonly used as a resource for voice therapy. PEP devices promote improved vocal economy with the added benefit of producing a massage effect in the vocal tract. Although the benefits of PEP devices for voice have already been demonstrated, their impact on the vocal source is still not very clear.