28th Annual Student Research Conference
The Effects of Yoga vs. Straw Phonation on Voice Quality
Christina C. Jones*, Callie L. Templeton, and Madison H. Kusmec
Dr. Julia D. Edgar, Faculty Mentor
This project was developed to compare the effects of yoga-deep breathing vs. straw phonation on vocal quality as a vocal cool-down. Evidence has shown that straw phonation is useful in improving vocal quality when the voice is fatigued. Yoga is used to stretch muscles and relax. We compared the effectiveness of these two strategies to improve vocal quality at the end of the day. Ten college students were recruited. Each subject completed a series of vocal tasks, which were digitally recorded before and after 1) a 25-minute session of yoga-deep breathing and 2) a 5-minute session of a straw phonation exercise. Sessions were counter-balanced. Recording sessions took place in a quiet room and were digitally recorded. Acoustic analysis is underway. All sessions took place in the evening after students had engaged in a full day. Data from this project will contribute insight to methods of vocal cool-down.
Keywords: yoga, voice quality, vocal cool-down, speech therapy, communication disorders, straw phonation
Topic(s):Communication Disorders
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 4-1
Location: GEO-SUB
Time: 3:30