Modulations in Respiratory and Laryngeal Activity Associated With Changes in Vocal Intensity During Speech

2000 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 934-950 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eileen M. Finnegan ◽  
Erich S. Luschei ◽  
Henry T. Hoffman
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Airway Resistance ◽  
Sudden Change ◽  
Lower Airway ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Primary Role ◽  
Respiratory Drive ◽  
Tracheal Pressure ◽  
Vocal Intensity ◽  
Laryngeal Airway

We tested the hypothesis that different strategies are used to alter tracheal pressure (P t ) during sustained and transient increases in intensity. It has been suggested that the respiratory system plays the primary role in P t changes associated with alteration in overall intensity, whereas laryngeal adjustment is primary for transient change in P t related to emphasis. Tracheal pressure, obtained via tracheal puncture, airflow (U), and laryngeal electromyography from the thyroarytenoid muscle (TA EMG) were collected from 6 subjects during sentence production at different intensity levels and with various stress patterns. Using a technique described in a previous study, we computed lower airway resistance (R law ) from measures of P t and U obtained during a sudden change in upper airway resistance. We used this resistance value, together with direct measures of P t and U during speech, to derive a time-varying measure of alveolar pressure (P a ), the pressure created by respiratory muscle activity and elastic recoil of the lungs. P a provided a measure of respiratory drive that was unaffected by laryngeal activity. Laryngeal airway resistance (R lx ) and TA EMG provided measures of laryngeal activity. The results of this study indicated that, contrary to the outcome predicted by the hypothesis, there was no difference in the strategies used to alter P t during sustained and transient increases in intensity. Although changes in both P a and R lx contributed to increase in P t , the contribution of P a was substantially greater. On average, P a contributed to 94% and R lx to 6% of the increase in P t associated with vocal intensity. A secondary purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which laryngeal muscle activity was related to R lx during speech. We found TA EMG activity increased with intensity but was not well correlated with R lx , suggesting that when it contracts, the TA muscle may affect intensity by loosening the cover, which allows for greater amplitude of vocal fold vibration, without necessarily increasing laryngeal airway resistance.

Estimation of Alveolar Pressure During Speech Using Direct Measures of Tracheal Pressure

1999 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
pp. 1136-1147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eileen M. Finnegan ◽  
Erich S. Luschei ◽  
Henry T. Hoffman
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory System ◽  
Airway Resistance ◽  
Sudden Change ◽  
Vocal Folds ◽  
Sentence Production ◽  
Lower Airway ◽  
Alveolar Pressure ◽  
Elastic Recoil ◽  
Pressure Source ◽  
Tracheal Pressure

The pressure in the alveoli of the lungs, created by the elastic recoil of the lungs and respiratory muscle activity, is referred to as alveolar pressure (P a ). The extent to which tracheal pressure (P t ) approximates P a depends on the resistance to airflow offered by structures above and below the point at which tracheal pressure is measured. An understanding of the relationship among P a , P t , and upper and lower airway resistance, and how these values fluctuate during speech, could aid in interpretation and modeling of speech aerodynamics. The purpose of this study was to (a) obtain values for lower airway resistance (R law ), (b) use these R law values to estimate P a during speech, and (c) quantify the degree to which P t approximates P a during production of voiced and voiceless sounds, in comparison to inhalation. In addition, the results were discussed in terms of the degree to which the respiratory system functions as a pressure source. Tracheal pressure (obtained with tracheal puncture) and airflow were measured during sentence production in 6 subjects. Using a technique introduced in this paper, R law was determined from measures of tracheal pressure and flow obtained during a sudden change in upper airway resistance because of release of a voiceless plosive. Mean R law values ranged from 0.14 to 0.32 kPa/(l/s). Each subject's mean R law was used to derive a time-varying measure of P a during speech from continuous measures of tracheal pressure and airflow. P t was approximately 95% of P a during phonation (i.e., when the vocal folds were adducted), 75% of P a during release of the voiceless stop consonant /p/, and 55% of P a during inhalation (i.e., when the vocal folds were abducted). Therefore, the degree to which the respiratory system functioned as an ideal pressure source varied during speech. The ability to estimate P a provides a measure of the pressure produced by the respiratory system that is not influenced by laryngeal activity.

scholarly journals Low-Frequency Oscillations (<0.3 Hz) in the Electromyographic (EMG) Activity of the Human Trapezius Muscle During Sleep

2002 ◽  
Vol 88 (3) ◽  
pp. 1177-1184 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. H. Westgaard ◽  
P. Bonato ◽  
K. A. Holte
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Activity Pattern ◽  
Sudden Change ◽  
Mean Amplitude ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Similar Frequency ◽  
Emg Signal ◽  
The Mean

The surface electromyographic (EMG) signal from right and left trapezius muscles and the heart rate were recorded over 24 h in 27 healthy female subjects. The root-mean-square (RMS) value of the surface EMG signals and the heartbeat interval time series were calculated with a time resolution of 0.2 s. The EMG activity during sleep showed long periods with stable mean amplitude, modulated by rhythmic components in the frequency range 0.05–0.2 Hz. The ratio between the amplitude of the oscillatory components and the mean amplitude of the EMG signal was approximately constant over the range within which the phenomenon was observed, corresponding to a peak-to-peak oscillatory amplitude of ∼10% of the mean amplitude. The duration of the periods with stable mean amplitude ranged from a few minutes to ∼1 h, usually interrupted by a sudden change in the activity level or by cessation of the muscle activity. Right and left trapezius muscles presented the same pattern of FM. In supplementary experiments, rhythmic muscle activity pattern was also demonstrated in the upper extremity muscles of deltoid, biceps, and forearm flexor muscles. There was no apparent association between the rhythmic components in the muscle activity pattern and the heart rate variability. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the above-described pattern of EMG activity during sleep is documented. On reanalysis of earlier recorded trapezius motor unit firing pattern in experiments on awake subjects in a situation with mental stress, low-FM of firing with similar frequency content was detected. Possible sources of rhythmic excitation of trapezius motoneurons include slow-wave cortical oscillations represented in descending cortico-spinal pathways, and/or activation by monoaminergic pathways originating in the brain stem reticular formation. The analysis of muscle activity patterns may provide an important new tool to study neural mechanisms in human sleep.

scholarly journals The Effects of Hyper- and Hypocapnia on Phonatory Laryngeal Airway Resistance in Women

2015 ◽  
Vol 58 (3) ◽  
pp. 638-652 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda I. Gillespie ◽  
William Slivka ◽  
Charles W. Atwood ◽  
Katherine Verdolini Abbott
Keyword(s):  
Gas Flow ◽  
Airway Resistance ◽  
Airway Disease ◽  
Lower Airway ◽  
Laryngeal Function ◽  
Vocal Fold Vibration ◽  
Respiratory Homeostasis ◽  
End Tidal ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Laryngeal Airway

Purpose The larynx has a dual role in the regulation of gas flow into and out of the lungs while also establishing resistance required for vocal fold vibration. This study assessed reciprocal relations between phonatory functions—specifically, phonatory laryngeal airway resistance (R law )—and respiratory homeostasis during states of ventilatory gas perturbations. Method Twenty-four healthy women performed phonatory tasks while exposed to induced hypercapnia (high CO 2 ), hypocapnia (low CO 2 ), and normal breathing (eupnea). Effects of gas perturbations on R law were investigated as were the reciprocal effects of R law modulations on respiratory homeostasis. Results R law remained stable despite manipulations of inspired gas concentrations. In contrast, end-tidal CO 2 levels increased significantly during all phonatory tasks. Thus, for the conditions tested, R law did not adjust to accommodate ventilatory needs as predicted. Rather, stable R law was spontaneously accomplished at the cost of those needs. Conclusions Findings provide support for a theory of regulation wherein R law may be a control parameter in phonation. Results also provide insight into the influence of phonation on respiration. The work sets the foundation for future studies on laryngeal function during phonation in individuals with lower airway disease and other patient populations.

Neuromuscular and mechanical responses to inspiratory resistive loading during sleep

1987 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 603-608 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. W. Hudgel ◽  
M. Mulholland ◽  
C. Hendricks
Keyword(s):  
Tidal Volume ◽  
Chest Wall ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Airway Resistance ◽  
Upper Airway ◽  
Inspiratory Muscle ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Resistive Load ◽  
Upper Airway Resistance ◽  
Resistive Loading

The purposes of this study were 1) to characterize the immediate inspiratory muscle and ventilation responses to inspiratory resistive loading during sleep in humans and 2) to determine whether upper airway caliber was compromised in the presence of a resistive load. Ventilation variables, chest wall, and upper airway inspiratory muscle electromyograms (EMG), and upper airway resistance were measured for two breaths immediately preceding and immediately following six applications of an inspiratory resistive load of 15 cmH2O.l–1 X s during wakefulness and stage 2 sleep. During wakefulness, chest wall inspiratory peak EMG activity increased 40 +/- 15% (SE), and inspiratory time increased 20 +/- 5%. Therefore, the rate of rise of chest wall EMG increased 14 +/- 10.9% (NS). Upper airway inspiratory muscle activity changed in an inconsistent fashion with application of the load. Tidal volume decreased 16 +/- 6%, and upper airway resistance increased 141 +/- 23% above pre-load levels. During sleep, there was no significant chest wall or upper airway inspiratory muscle or timing responses to loading. Tidal volume decreased 40 +/- 7% and upper airway resistance increased 188 +/- 52%, changes greater than those observed during wakefulness. We conclude that 1) the immediate inspiratory muscle and timing responses observed during inspiratory resistive loading in wakefulness were absent during sleep, 2) there was inadequate activation of upper airway inspiratory muscle activity to compensate for the increased upper airway inspiratory subatmospheric pressure present during loading, and 3) the alteration in upper airway mechanics during resistive loading was greater during sleep than wakefulness.

Myoelectric Activity Differences in Three Learning Sessions

2002 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 92-96
Author(s):  
Tiina Ritvanen ◽  
Reijo Koskelo ◽  
Osmo H„nninen
Keyword(s):  
High School Students ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Muscle Tension ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Traditional Learning ◽  
Myoelectric Activity ◽  
School Students ◽  
Language Laboratory ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Muscle Groups

Abstract This study follows muscle activity in three different learning sessions (computer, language laboratory, and normal classroom) while students were studying foreign languages. Myoelectric activity was measured in 21 high school students (10 girls, 11 boys, age range 17-20 years) by surface electromyography (sEMG) from the upper trapezius and frontalis muscles during three 45-min sessions. Root mean square (RMS) average from both investigated muscles was calculated. The EMG activity was highest in both muscle groups in the computer-aided session and lowest in the language laboratory. The girls had higher EMG activity in both investigated muscle groups in all three learning situations. The measured blood pressure was highest at the beginning of the sessions, decreased within 10 min, but increased again toward the end of the sessions. Our results indicate that the use of a computer as a teaching-aid evokes more constant muscle activity than the traditional learning situations. Since muscle tension can have adverse health consequences, more research is needed to determine optimal classroom conditions, especially when technical aids are used in teaching.

scholarly journals Rostrocaudal Distribution of the C-Fos-Immunopositive Spinal Network Defined by Muscle Activity during Locomotion

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 69
Author(s):  
Natalia Merkulyeva ◽  
Vsevolod Lyakhovetskii ◽  
Aleksandr Veshchitskii ◽  
Oleg Gorskii ◽  
Pavel Musienko
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Locomotor Activity ◽  
Control Systems ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Knee Extensors ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Lumbosacral Spinal Cord ◽  
Adductor Muscles ◽  
Spinal Network ◽  
Hip Flexor

The optimization of multisystem neurorehabilitation protocols including electrical spinal cord stimulation and multi-directional tasks training require understanding of underlying circuits mechanisms and distribution of the neuronal network over the spinal cord. In this study we compared the locomotor activity during forward and backward stepping in eighteen adult decerebrated cats. Interneuronal spinal networks responsible for forward and backward stepping were visualized using the C-Fos technique. A bi-modal rostrocaudal distribution of C-Fos-immunopositive neurons over the lumbosacral spinal cord (peaks in the L4/L5 and L6/S1 segments) was revealed. These patterns were compared with motoneuronal pools using Vanderhorst and Holstege scheme; the location of the first peak was correspondent to the motoneurons of the hip flexors and knee extensors, an inter-peak drop was presumably attributed to the motoneurons controlling the adductor muscles. Both were better expressed in cats stepping forward and in parallel, electromyographic (EMG) activity of the hip flexor and knee extensors was higher, while EMG activity of the adductor was lower, during this locomotor mode. On the basis of the present data, which showed greater activity of the adductor muscles and the attributed interneuronal spinal network during backward stepping and according with data about greater demands on postural control systems during backward locomotion, we suppose that the locomotor networks for movements in opposite directions are at least partially different.

Respiratory Activity of the Rat Posterior Cricoarytenoid Muscle

1997 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 897-901 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert G. Berkowitz ◽  
John Chalmers ◽  
Qi-Jian Sun ◽  
Paul M. Pilowsky
Keyword(s):  
Phrenic Nerve ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Electrophysiological Study ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Diaphragmatic Muscle ◽  
Posterior Cricoarytenoid Muscle ◽  
Inspiratory Activity ◽  
Intramuscular Nerve ◽  
Posterior Cricoarytenoid ◽  
Nerve Discharge

An anatomic and electrophysiological study of the rat posterior cricoarytenoid (PCA) muscle is described. The intramuscular nerve distribution of the PCA branch of the recurrent laryngeal nerve was demonstrated by a modified Sihler's stain. The nerve to the PCA was found to terminate in superior and inferior branches with a distribution that appeared to be confined to the PCA muscle. Electromyography (EMG) recordings of PCA muscle activity in anesthetized rats were obtained under stereotaxic control together with measurement of phrenic nerve discharge. A total of 151 recordings were made in 7 PCA muscles from 4 rats. Phasic inspiratory activity with a waveform similar to that of phrenic nerve discharge was found in 134 recordings, while a biphasic pattern with both inspiratory and post-inspiratory peaks was recorded from random sites within the PCA muscle on 17 occasions. The PCA EMG activity commenced 24.6 ± 2.2 milliseconds (p < .0001) before phrenic nerve discharge. The results are in accord with findings of earlier studies that show that PCA muscle activity commences prior to inspiratory airflow and diaphragmatic muscle activity. The data suggest that PCA and diaphragm motoneurons share common or similar medullary pre-motoneurons. The earlier onset of PCA muscle activity may indicate a role for medullary pre-inspiratory neurons in initiating PCA activity.

scholarly journals Electromyographic Analysis of Traditional and Nontraditional Abdominal Exercises: Implications for Rehabilitation and Training

2006 ◽  
Vol 86 (5) ◽  
pp. 656-671 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael F Escamilla ◽  
Eric Babb ◽  
Ryan DeWitt ◽  
Patrick Jew ◽  
Peter Kelleher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Latissimus Dorsi ◽  
Rectus Femoris ◽  
Rectus Abdominis ◽  
Oblique Muscle ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Internal Oblique ◽  
Rectus Femoris Muscle ◽  
Femoris Muscle ◽  
Roll Out

Abstract Background and Purpose. Performing nontraditional abdominal exercises with devices such as abdominal straps, the Power Wheel, and the Ab Revolutionizer has been suggested as a way to activate abdominal and extraneous (nonabdominal) musculature as effectively as more traditional abdominal exercises, such as the crunch and bent-knee sit-up. The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of traditional and nontraditional abdominal exercises in activating abdominal and extraneous musculature. Subjects. Twenty-one men and women who were healthy and between 23 and 43 years of age were recruited for this study. Methods. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to assess muscle activity from the upper and lower rectus abdominis, external and internal oblique, rectus femoris, latissimus dorsi, and lumbar paraspinal muscles while each exercise was performed. The EMG data were normalized to maximum voluntary muscle contractions. Differences in muscle activity were assessed by a 1-way, repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results. Upper and lower rectus abdominis, internal oblique, and latissimus dorsi muscle EMG activity were highest for the Power Wheel (pike, knee-up, and roll-out), hanging knee-up with straps, and reverse crunch inclined 30 degrees. External oblique muscle EMG activity was highest for the Power Wheel (pike, knee-up, and roll-out) and hanging knee-up with straps. Rectus femoris muscle EMG activity was highest for the Power Wheel (pike and knee-up), reverse crunch inclined 30 degrees, and bent-knee sit-up. Lumbar paraspinal muscle EMG activity was low and similar among exercises. Discussion and Conclusion. The Power Wheel (pike, knee-up, and roll-out), hanging knee-up with straps, and reverse crunch inclined 30 degrees not only were the most effective exercises in activating abdominal musculature but also were the most effective in activating extraneous musculature. The relatively high rectus femoris muscle activity obtained with the Power Wheel (pike and knee-up), reverse crunch inclined 30 degrees, and bent-knee sit-up may be problematic for some people with low back problems.

Brain stem integration of vocalization: role of the midbrain periaqueductal gray

1994 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 1337-1356 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. P. Zhang ◽  
P. J. Davis ◽  
R. Bandler ◽  
P. Carrive
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Sound Production ◽  
Type A ◽  
Periaqueductal Gray ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Digastric Muscle ◽  
Type B ◽  
Motor Patterns ◽  
Homocysteic Acid ◽  
Lower Amplitude

1. The contribution of the midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) to the central regulation of vocalization was investigated by analyzing the electromyographic (EMG) changes in respiratory, laryngeal, and oral muscles evoked by microinjection of D,L-homocysteic acid (DLH) in the PAG of unanesthetized, precollicular decerebrate cats. Moderate to large (6-40 nmol) doses of DLH evoked natural-sounding vocalization as well as increases in inspiratory depth and respiratory rate. 2. Two basic types of vocalization were evoked, each associated with a distinct and characteristic pattern of respiratory, laryngeal and oral EMG changes. Type A vocalization (voiced sounds such as howl/mew/growl) was characterized by excitation of the cricothyroid (CT) and thyro-arytenoid (TA) muscles, and inhibition of the posterior crico-arytenoid (PCA) muscle, whereas type B vocalization (unvoiced hiss sounds) was characterized by excitation of the PCA and TA muscles and no significant activation of the CT muscle. In addition, stronger expiratory (external oblique, internal oblique, internal intercostal) EMG increases were associated with type A responses, and larger increases in genioglossus and digastric muscle activity were associated with type B responses. 3. Microinjections of small doses of DLH (300 pmol-3 nmol), also evoked patterned changes in muscle activity (usually without audible vocalization) that, although of lower amplitude, were identical to those evoked by injections of moderate to large DLH doses. In no such experiments (175 sites) were individual muscles activated by small dose injections of DLH into the PAG. Further, type A vocalization/muscle patterns were evoked from PAG sites caudal to those at which type B vocalization/muscle patterns were evoked. 4. Considered together these results indicate: that the PAG contains topographically separable groups of neurons that coordinate laryngeal, respiratory, and oral muscle patterns characteristic of two fundamental types of vocalization and that the underlying PAG organization takes the form of a representation of muscle patterns, rather than individual muscles. 5. The patterns of EMG activity evoked by excitation of PAG neurons were strikingly similar to previously reported patterns of EMG activity characteristic of major phonatory categories in higher species, including humans (e.g., vowel phonation, voiceless consonant phonation). These findings raise the possibility that the sound production circuitry of the PAG could well be utilized by cortical and subcortical "language structures" to coordinate basic respiratory and laryngeal motor patterns that are necessary for speech.

Effect of sleep on nocturnal bronchoconstriction and ventilatory patterns in asthmatics

1989 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 243-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. D. Ballard ◽  
M. C. Saathoff ◽  
D. K. Patel ◽  
P. L. Kelly ◽  
R. J. Martin
Keyword(s):  
Airway Resistance ◽  
Minute Ventilation ◽  
The Other ◽  
Lower Airway ◽  
Sleep Laboratory ◽  
Sleep State ◽  
Asthmatic Patients ◽  
Ventilatory Responses ◽  
Rate Of Increase ◽  
Normal Controls

To assess the effect of sleep on airflow resistance and patterns of ventilation in asthmatic patients with nocturnal worsening, 10 adult subjects (6 asthmatic patients with nocturnal worsening, 4 normal controls) were monitored overnight in the sleep laboratory on two separate occasions. During 1 night, subjects were allowed to sleep normally, whereas during the other night all sleep was prevented. The six asthmatic patients demonstrated progressive increases in lower airway resistance (Rla) on both nights, but the rate of increase was twofold greater (P less than 0.0001) during the sleep night compared with the sleep prevention night. However, overnight decrements in forced expired volume in 1 s (FEV1) were similar over the 2 nights. The asthmatic patients maintained their minute ventilation as Rla increased during sleep, demonstrating a stable tidal volume with a mild increase in respiratory frequency. We conclude that in asthmatic patients with nocturnal worsening 1) Rla increases and FEV1 falls overnight regardless of sleep state, 2) sleep enhances the observed overnight increases in Rla, and 3) sleep does not abolish compensatory ventilatory responses to spontaneously occurring bronchoconstriction.

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