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449 Foundations for prescribing song-based therapies: A quantitative analysis of laryngeal exercises

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 April 2025

Cole Bird
Affiliation:
University of Kansas School of Medicine
Frank Materia
Affiliation:
University of Kansas School of Medicine
Jennifer Villwock
Affiliation:
University of Kansas School of Medicine
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Abstract

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Objectives/Goals: Explore and compare the functional mechanisms of song-based exercises compared to speech-language pathology exercises for dysphagia. The long-term goal is to increase patient outcomes through song-based programs that are accessible, enjoyable, and personalizable. Methods/Study Population: We will pilot the use of combined electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) technologies to analyze both central and peripheral contributors to laryngeal control in a cohort of healthy individuals. This approach provides detailed insight into the coordination between neural and muscular activity, which will serve as a baseline for future studies in clinical populations. Song-based vocal exercises will be compared with standard dysphagia exercises prescribed by speech-language pathologists to assess their mechanistic differences. Results/Anticipated Results: We anticipate identifying specific song-based tasks, such as variations in pitch, rhythm, and intensity, which differentially impact laryngeal musculature. Additionally, we will localize neural activation hotspots using EEG during these tasks, providing a more comprehensive understanding of how song-based therapy influences both peripheral and central mechanisms. Discussion/Significance of Impact: This project will lay the groundwork for developing evidence-based song-based therapies for dysphagia, providing an alternative to traditional SLP exercises. By creating an engaging therapeutic program, we aim to reduce dysphagia’s healthcare burden, including aspiration events, healthcare costs, and related mortality.

Type
Precision Medicine/Health
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BYCreative Common License - NCCreative Common License - ND
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/), which permits non-commercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is unaltered and is properly cited. The written permission of Cambridge University Press must be obtained for commercial re-use or in order to create a derivative work.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. The Association for Clinical and Translational Science