Immediate effects of the semi-occluded bubble mask technique using VocalFeel? device as vocal warm-up in singers

ObjectiveThe present study aims at investigating the immediate effects of the Semi-Occluded Bubble Mask Technique (SOBM) performed with the device VocalFeel (R) as a vocal warm-up in a group of professional singers.Study DesignA randomized controlled study was carried out.MethodsForty-four vocally healthy professional singers were randomly divided into two groups on recruitment: an experimental group and a control group. The same vocal warm-up exercise was performed by the experimental group with the SOMB technique and by the control group without semi-occlusion. Self assessments, acoustic analysis and aerodynamic analysis of Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flows (PNIF) and Peak Oral Inspiratory Flows (POIF) were performed.ResultsSignificant improvements after the SOBM technique were detected in the experimental group concerning some acoustic parameters (Jitt%; Shimm%) and aerodynamic measures (PNIF and POIF). No significant improvements after the warm-up exercise were observed in the control group. Significant differences between the experimental and the control group were found for Delta Jitt%, Delta Shimm%, Delta NHR, Delta POIF and self assessments.ConclusionsThe results of the present study support the efficacy of a vocal warm-up performed with the SOBM technique using VocalFeel (R) device in terms of acoustic quality, aerodynamic measures and perceived phonatory comfort in professional singers.