Premium
The Larynx During Exercise
Author(s) -
Naito Akira,
Niimi Seiji
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/00005537-200007000-00015
Subject(s) - larynx , medicine , glottis , laryngomalacia , laryngoscopy , closure (psychology) , physical medicine and rehabilitation , surgery , airway , intubation , economics , market economy , stridor
Objectives To develop a system capable of observing the larynx during various body movements and to investigate the relation between upper limb movements and laryngeal closure, often referred as “airtrapping.” Study Design An endoscope capable of observing the larynx during various body movements was developed and the laryngeal state was monitored during these movements in three subjects. The output of 12 subjects' forearms was recorded with and without laryngeal closure. Results The larynx was observable even during extreme exercises such as horizontal bar exercises and vault exercises. Laryngeal closure was almost always seen during the beginning of maximum effort of the upper limbs. During constant effort, the state of the larynx varied. When the output of the upper limbs was compared with and without laryngeal closure, there was an average of 20% power loss. Conclusions This study suggests four possible uses for this system. 1) The system could be useful to evaluate laryngeal disorders during exercise such as exercise‐induced laryngomalacia. 2) The results could be used to improve the pushing exercise, a voice therapy technique. 3) The status of patients with incomplete laryngeal closure in connection with the upper limbs could be evaluated more thoroughly. 4) The technique and equipment could be used to observe the larynges during normal vocal processes that require body movement.