Abstract
Efficient larynx productivity is vital for singers. The premise is that the correct posture and breathing reduce tension in the vocal tract and improve resonance. The purpose of this study was to determine if an integrated mind-body program designed to improve physical and mental fitness for musicians had effects on singers’ posture, tension, efficacy, and respiratory function.
The fitness program was comprised of yogic, physical therapy, and mental and improvisation exercises. Eleven singers enrolled in a college course over five semesters (2013–2017) participated in the study. Pre-post measurements were conducted by (1) physical examination of postural structure, muscle strength/flexibility, and an aerobic endurance test; (2) a psychometric instrument comprised of a health-pain-injury inventory (HPI), physical and musical efficacy (PME), and mental fitness and improvisation (MFI); and (3) motion analysis to examine torso volume, calibrated to estimate breathing capacity.
Singers’ physical examination results showed significant improvement in the “deep neck flexor strength test” (p = 0.008). Two PME indicators, “composite body awareness” (p = 0.046) and “comfort in vocal technique” (p = 0.038), revealed positive changes. In MFI, there were significant changes in “time spent in emptying the mind” (p = 0.026), “imagery in favorite music” (p = 0.046), and “satisfaction with environment while improvising” (p = 0.038). Motion analysis indicated a shift from the chest to abdominal breathing and increased breathing volume.
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Suggested Reading
Kearney K, Fults A, Lopez E, Carey S, Lee SH. Kinematic analysis of college vocalists participating in a mind-body integration program. Third USF-PAMA conference: life cycle of performing the artist. June 1–3 2018. Tampa, Florida.
Acknowledgments
We appreciate the contribution of Tina Tidwell Bedore, Yoga E-RYT and CEO, Amour Movement Company of Tampa with her expert yoga instruction.
Conflict of Interest
There are no known conflicts of interest associated with this publication, and there has been no significant financial support for this work that could have influenced its outcome.
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Lopez, E. et al. (2020). Breathing Techniques in Collegiate Vocalists: The Effects of the Mind-Body Integrated Exercise Program on Singers’ Posture, Tension, Efficacy, and Respiratory Function. In: Lee, SH., Morris, M.L., Nicosia, S.V. (eds) Perspectives in Performing Arts Medicine Practice. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-37480-8_8
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