Efeitos imediatos de exercícios de trato vocal semiocluído utilizando canudos de papel e canudos de plástico na produção vocal

Abstract

Introduction: Semi-occluded vocal tract exercises (SOVTE) have been widely used in speech therapy clinical practice, both for the treatment of different vocal alterations and to improve the voice. Among them, exercises with straws are usually performed with plastic material, disposable, non-biodegradable and of high environmental cost. It is essential to find new sustainable materials for use in clinical practice. Objective: To investigate vocal quality before and after performing a semi-occluded vocal tract using paper straws and plastic straws through auditory perceptual assessment. Method: Longitudinal study with two groups, who performed the same exercise, using straws of the same size, thickness and diameter, but made of different materials (plastic and paper). Results: there were differences between the self-perception of the participants and the evaluators, as well as some studies found in the literature. It was considered that the use of the paper straw obtained better results by most of the evaluators. On the other hand, according to the participants' self-perception, the plastic straw obtained better results in more vocal parameters, although the paper straw also showed positive results. Conclusion: The SOVTE performed, both with plastic and paper straws, showed positive points. The two materials showed improvements in the voice and none caused harm to the self-perception of the participants and the judgment of the evaluators.