29th Annual Student Research Conference
A Comparison of the Effect of Yoga and 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 and deep breathing vs. straw phonation on vocal quality as a vocal cooldown. 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 after thirty minutes of silence followed by thirty minutes of reading aloud at 70-75 dB. Ten college students were recruited to complete a self-assessment and a series of vocal tasks, recorded using the Computerized Speech Laboratory before and after 1) a 30 minute session of yoga and deep breathing and 2) a 5 minute session of a straw phonation exercise. Sessions were counter-balanced. Recording sessions took place in a sound proof booth. Data from this project will contribute insight to methods of vocal cooldown.
Keywords: Communication Disorders, Yoga, Straw Phonation, Voice, Vocal Cooldown
Topic(s):Communication Disorders
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: -4
Location: MG 1090
Time: 1:45
♦ Indicates Truman Graduate Student