Assessment of Anterior Cervical Region Temperature at Rest and During Phonation in Individuals With and Without Vocal Complaints.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the anterior cervical thermal distribution in adults, both at rest and during phonation, to compare individuals with and without vocal complaints.

METHODS

An observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study was conducted. Adults aged 18 to 59 years with and without vocal complaints were included. Individuals with bone and postural alterations, thyroid gland alterations, head and neck cancer, migraine, cardiovascular disease, and inflammatory processes at the time of evaluation were excluded. The Vocal Symptom Scale identified the groups without vocal complaints (G1) and with vocal complaints (G2). Anterior cervical thermography, acoustic voice analysis, and palpation of the laryngeal muscles were performed. One resting thermogram and seven phonation thermograms were performed to identify the mean temperature and the temperature difference between the sides (Δt) of the suprahyoid, infrahyoid, sternocleidomastoid, and trapezius regions. Values above 0.3°C were considered thermal asymmetry. Statistical analysis considered univariate and multivariate inferential analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty individuals were evaluated, comprising 86.7% females, with a median age of 21.0 (±3.42) years, and were categorized into two groups (G1 = 19; G2 = 11). No significant differences were found between the groups in laryngeal palpation. In the acoustic analysis, there was a difference between the groups for the harmonic noise ratio measurement (G1 = 13.32 ± 2.86; G2 = 11.23 ±1.96; P = 0.044). At rest, G1 showed greater thermal symmetry in the infrahyoid region. During phonation, G2 displayed an increase in temperature in the sternocleidomastoid region. In contrast, G1 exhibited a reduction in temperature in the suprahyoid and infrahyoid regions during phonatory tasks.

CONCLUSION

Analysis of the anterior cervical region in individuals with and without vocal complaints revealed significant variations in both thermal symmetry and mean temperatures. These findings appear to be intrinsically linked to the balance and recruitment patterns of the musculoskeletal system required for vocal production.