Postural Changes Affecting Voice Production
Original Editor - Mauro Banfi Top Contributors - Jess Bell, Kim Jackson, Matt Huey, Tarina van der Stockt, Uchechukwu Chukwuemeka and Rucha Gadgil
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There are a number of common postural changes that can affect function, pain and disability levels and voice production.
In older adults, the following postural features are commonly observed:[1]
- Increased thoracic kyphosis
- Reduction in intervertebral disc height
- Loss of bone mass
- Forward head position (i.e. anteposition)
- Retraction of muscle chains
- Reduced elasticity and strength
- Cartilage ossification in the larynx
These postural changes can have a significant impact on speech and swallowing function.[1] Examples include:
- Lordosis of the cervical spine inhibits laryngeal elevation and affects swallowing - postural rehabilitation may be beneficial to manage this[2]
- Ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament can lead to dysphagia - the extent of which is influenced by the thickness of osteophytes, cervical mobility, and cranio-cervical alignment[3]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Banfi M. Postural Principles Useful in Speech Therapy. Physioplus. 2021.
- ↑ Sato K, Chitose SI, Sato K, Sato F, Ono T, Umeno H. Dysphagia precipitated by cervical lordosis in the aged. Ear Nose Throat J. 2020:145561320946644.
- ↑ Nishimura H, Endo K, Aihara T, Murata K, Suzuki H, Matsuoka Y et al. Risk factors of dysphagia in patients with ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong). 2020;28(3):2309499020960564.
