Context and Key Findings

• Speech and singing rely on controlled airflow, subglottic pressure, and appropriate lung volume.
• Respiratory muscles, including the diaphragm, play a critical role in voice production.
• Singers can optimize voice quality through well-developed breathing techniques.
• Respiratory Muscle Training (RMT) strengthens breathing muscles and enhances vocal abilities.

Exploring the Physiology of Voice Production

When we speak or sing, a complex interplay of physiological factors comes into play. The process involves air movement through the larynx, controlled by the vocal folds and the glottis. The quality of sound production depends on subglottic pressure, which is influenced by lung volume and chest wall pressure. Interestingly, professional singers exhibit enhanced control over these factors, often achieving remarkable vocal performances through skillful airflow management.

Singing Unleashes the Potential of Physiology

Singing takes the intricate dance of voice production to the next level. It demands larger lung volumes and refined control over airflow. Research indicates that skilled singers, especially classical ones, can modify their natural breathing patterns to support the demands of vocal performance. This adaptation involves engaging not only the main breathing muscle, the diaphragm, but also accessory muscles around the ribcage, collarbone, neck, and abdominal region.

The Role of Respiratory Muscle Training

Respiratory Muscle Training (RMT) is a powerful tool to enhance voice quality and singing prowess. RMT focuses on strengthening the diaphragm and accessory breathing muscles through resistance training. This approach increases lung capacity and phonation time, a crucial parameter in singing. By improving control over inhalation and exhalation, singers can achieve greater mastery over voice production.

Insights from Studies

Several studies shed light on the benefits of RMT for professional singers and musicians:

• A 4-week RMT intervention improved vocal range, breath support, and phonation time among musicians and singers [5].
• RMT effectively treated throat pain, vocal fatigue, and benign vocal fold lesions, yielding improved voice metrics [7].
• A retrospective study showed significant enhancements in voice parameters following a 4-week RMT intervention, including peak flow, pitch range, vocal intensity, and more [8].

The Breather Voice: A Game-Changer

One remarkable device that capitalizes on these findings is the Breather Voice. This innovative tool targets the diaphragm and accessory muscles by providing adjustable resistance during inhalation and exhalation. By utilizing the Breather Voice, singers can optimize their breathing techniques, improve airflow control, and elevate their vocal performance.

In Conclusion

The connection between breathing, physiology, and vocal performance is profound. Through respiratory muscle training and targeted techniques, singers can harness the power of their own bodies to create exceptional sound. As we continue to uncover the intricate relationship between respiration and voice production, tools like the Breather Voice offer exciting avenues for vocalists to enhance their abilities and produce captivating performances.

References

• Salomoni S, van den Hoorn W, Hodges P. Breathing and Singing: Objective Characterization of Breathing Patterns in Classical Singers. PLoS One. 2016;11: e0155084.
• Watson AHD, Williams C, James BV. Activity patterns in latissimus dorsi and sternocleidomastoid in classical singers. J Voice. 2012;26: e95–e105.
• Traser L, Özen AC, Burk F, Burdumy M, Bock M, Richter B, et al. Respiratory dynamics in phonation and breathing-A real-time MRI study. Respir Physiol Neurobiol. 2017;236: 69–77.
• Traser L, Knab J, Echternach M, Fuhrer H, Richter B, Buerkle H, et al. Regional ventilation during phonation in professional male and female singers. Respir Physiol Neurobiol. 2017;239: 26–33.
• Yilmaz C, Bostancı Ö, Bulut S. Effect of Respiratory Muscle Training on Pitch Range and Sound Duration in Brass Instrument Players and Singers. J Voice. 2020. doi:10.1016/j.jvoice.2020.04.012
• Sapienza CM, Davenport PW, Martin AD. Expiratory muscle training increases pressure support in high school band students. J Voice. 2002;16: 495–501.
• Wingate JM, Brown WS, Shrivastav R, Davenport P, Sapienza CM. Treatment outcomes for professional voice users. J Voice. 2007;21: 433–449.
• Arnold RJ, Gaskill CS, Bausek N. Effect of Complete Respiratory Muscle Training (cRMT) on Dysphonia following Single CVA: A retrospective pilot study. medRxiv. 2020. Available: Link.