For professional female singers, maintaining vocal health is crucial, especially when hormonal changes can impact their performance. The study "Effects of Resonance Voice Therapy on Hormone-Related Vocal Disorders in Professional Singers: A Pilot Study" sheds light on how Resonance Voice Therapy (RVT) can be a game-changer for those dealing with premenstrual and postmenopausal vocal disorders.
The Challenge of Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and menopause can significantly affect a singer's voice. These changes can lead to symptoms like vocal instability, loss of high notes, and reduced vocal power. Understanding these effects is essential for practitioners working with singers who rely heavily on their vocal capabilities.
The Study at a Glance
The pilot study conducted by researchers at the Keck Medical Center of USC involved 20 professional female singers from Southern California. Participants were divided into two groups: premenopausal and postmenopausal. Each group was further split to receive either RVT or cervical-thoracic–focused exercises over a month.
- Premenopausal Group: Received therapy during the premenstrual phase (days 25-27).
- Postmenopausal Group: Received therapy without considering menstruation status.
The outcomes were measured using various parameters such as the singer’s voice handicap index (VHI), laryngeal videostroboscopic examination, maximum phonation time (MPT), relative average perturbation (RAP), and pitch range.
The Impact of Resonance Voice Therapy
The results were promising:
- Singer’s VHI: RVT decreased VHI by an average of 67%, compared to only 7.8% for cervical-thoracic therapy.
- MPT and Pitch Range: Both increased significantly with RVT, enhancing vocal endurance and flexibility.
- RAP: RVT effectively decreased RAP by an average of 57%, indicating improved vocal stability.
The study concluded that RVT is effective for managing hormone-related vocal changes in professional female singers, making it a valuable tool for practitioners aiming to enhance their therapeutic repertoire.
The Path Forward for Practitioners
If you're a practitioner working with singers, consider integrating RVT into your practice. Here are some steps to get started:
- Learnthe Technique: Familiarize yourself with RVT exercises and their applications. Consider attending workshops or webinars to deepen your understanding.
- Create Personalized Plans: Tailor RVT exercises to meet the specific needs of each singer, considering their hormonal status and vocal demands.
- Monitor Progress: Use tools like VHI and acoustic analysis to track improvements and adjust therapy as needed.
This study also highlights the need for further research with larger sample sizes to validate these findings. As a practitioner, staying updated with ongoing research will help you provide the best care possible.
