Temporal Features of Voice in Connected Speech: Bioenergetic Implications

Abstract

Purpose: Translating exercise science methodology for determination of muscle bioenergetics, it was hypothesized that the temporal voice use patterns for classroom and music teachers would indicate a reliance on the immediate energy system for laryngeal skeletal muscle metabolism. It was also hypothesized that the music teacher group would produce longer voiced segments that the classroom teachers. Method: Using a between-within group repeated measures design (5 female classroom teachers; 7 music teachers, 1 male and 6 females) fundamental frequency data collected via an abulatory phonation monitor were analyzed for length (seconds) of voicing and silence intervals. Data were collected for 7.5 hours during the workday, over the course of several workdays for each teacher. Results: Descriptive analyses of voice and silence intervals indicated that over 99% of voiced segments for both groups were no longer than 3.15 seconds, supporting the hypothesis of reliance on the immediate energy system for muscle bioenergetics. Between-within group data were analyzed using a multivariate analysis of variance. Significant differences were identified between the classroom and music teacher groups as well as within each group. Conclusions: Knowledge of probable intrinsic laryngeal skeletal muscle bioenergetic requirements could inform new interdisciplinary considerations for voice habilitation and rehabilitation.