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Biomedical subjects

R F Coleman

Publications and source records attributed to R F Coleman.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Swallowing therapy in adults.

Swallowing therapy can in many cases eliminate, and in nearly all cases, improve swallowing difficulty in adults. A wide variety of faciliatory and compensatory techniques are available to therapists who must be specially trained in such methods. In addition, swallowing therapy cannot be thought of as a series of "lessons" for a patient, but rather a management strategy using a multidisciplinary team, including the family of the patient. Efficacy studies are becoming available to evaluate the effectiveness of the many therapy methods available, and new techniques are constantly being developed and tested. The outlook for most adults with swallowing problems is thus optimistic for improvement.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Dynamic intensity variations of individual choral singers.

Twenty adult singers from one choral group were asked to produce sustained vowels and a short hymn sample while using three different dynamic levels: pianissimo, mezzoforte, and fortissimo. Large differences were found in total dynamic range among the subjects. Sustained vowels were slightly higher in output than was a song sample. Mezzoforte levels were produced closer to fortissimo than to pianissimo. When the individual results were combined mathematically, the average levels of the singers were consistent with earlier data from other choral groups. Implications for "choral blend" are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Acoustic and physiologic factors in duet singing: a pilot study.

Ensemble singing has recently received increased attention by voice scientists. From the literature, it appears that singing in groups requires techniques that are different from those used in solo singing. This experiment studied the characteristics of a pair of male vocalists who were recorded as they sang two duet scores. Analysis of the results showed that timing, pitch, loudness, and long-term average spectra characteristic of both solo and ensemble singing were employed. The use of solo versus ensemble techniques may be more a function of musical style rather than the number of individuals who sing in a group.

Humans↗
PubMed1993

Sources of variation in phonetograms.

Despite the growing popularity of the phonetogram or F0-SPL Profile in the United States and its continuing use in Europe, it is generally acknowledge that a wide range of results are obtained by different investigators using the technique. Nonuniformity of results calls into question the basic validity of the method as a descriptor of vocal function limits. This article reviews some of the more common diversities in methods among investigators and suggests that variation of results in voice profiles may be as much an indication of nonstandardization of technique as in the inherent variability of subjects.

Female↗
PubMed1991

A basic model to study acoustic evaluation of airway obstruction.

Listening to a human airway to determine obstruction is a highly subjective art and an important clinical tool. Sophisticated acoustic monitoring techniques should be developed and tested in the laboratory before they are applied in the clinic. We describe construction of an acoustic tube model to study the mechanism of noise generation in a simulated obstructed human airway. Spectral differences were demonstrated between different amounts and locations of obstruction and changes resulting from variations in airflow using Fast-Fourier transform techniques. With this analog model, systematic research can be conducted to define expected patterns in obstructed human airways for use in the clinical setting.

Air Pressure↗
PubMed1991

Preoperative and postoperative voice analysis of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty patients.

While clinical studies almost universally report few speech and voice complications from uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, there is a paucity of prospective studies concerned with formal acoustic and perceptual evaluation of these patients. This study compares preoperative and postoperative recordings of 32 uvulopalatopharyngoplasty patients. Fast Fourier Transform analyses were made of both long-term spectra of a reading passage and the resonant characteristics of three vowels. Fundamental frequency and reading time were quantified. Polysomnographic studies of these patients were also compared. Finally, listener judgments of "better voice" were made on preoperative and postoperative pairs of the same patients performing a reading task. While the polysomnographic data demonstrated statistically significant improvement in the physical condition of the patients, no perceptual or acoustic measure of voice or speech was significant when preoperative and postoperative scores were compared.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Biotechnology policy and achievement 1980-88.

Much progress has been made in line with the spirit of Spinks, but it is inevitable that perspectives have changed since 1980. At the research level, we know that much strategic work remains to be done before the full industrial benefits of biotechnology can be secured, even though there has been a gratifying improvement in academic-industrial liaison. The industrial progress and dissemination of biotechnology has been slower than Spinks implied, but we have a clear understanding of the importance of such contributors to the climate for investment as balanced regulation, training and public perception. The international dimension is important not only for the potential benefit of research and development programmes but also to monitor progress in the U.K. with respect to our competitors. Biotechnology now finds itself in a new framework of Government policy for innovation; there are new challenges in sustaining and adding to the impetus built up by the academic and industrial communities.

Biotechnology↗
PubMed1984

Voice quality and intelligibility characteristics of the reconstructed larynx and pseudolarynx.

The ideal laryngeal substitute would provide a voice with good intelligibility, volume, and character. The basic components of these qualities are being studied in our laboratories to refine laryngeal reconstruction and replacement techniques. Exact definition of these characteristics may then be translated into specific requirements for reconstruction. In this study the phonation of laryngectomees using hand-held artificial laryngeal devices and patients with reconstructed larynges was compared with that of normal speakers. Presentations were evaluated by adult listeners with normal voice and hearing, and intelligibility scores were developed. These studies show, in part, that the fundamental frequencies at which various artificial speech aids are used do not significantly correlate with user intelligibility. Computerized spectral analysis was then utilized to ascertain the unique acoustic characteristics of the voices. Further computer analysis was carried out to determine what characteristics of the normal speakers' voices were shared in common with patients using artificial devices and patients with reconstructed larynges. Initial attempts at using these findings in laryngeal reconstruction based on computer modeling will be presented.

Humans↗
PubMed1984

Care of the professional voice.

Care of the professional voice patient requires the skills of a general physician and those of the specialist combined in one person. The physician must have a good working knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology of the vocal tract. These patients require special understanding, assistance from a voice therapist, and, above all, time.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1977

Fundamental frequency-sound pressure level profiles of adult male and female voices.

Fundamental frequency-sound pressure level (fo-SPL) profiles were determined for 12 female and 10 male subjects. Profiles were obtained by having each subject produce the maximum and minimum sound pressure level of which he was capable, at 10% intervals of his fo range. Comparison of male and female profiles showed similar values for frequency range in semitones, maximum and minimum SPL output, and total SPL range. A minimum SPL of 50 dB was necessary to produce a steady-state frequency for all subjects, and the maximum level ofr an acceptable fo was 126 dB SPL. The fo-SPL profiles obtained with the amateur subjects used in this study had a somewhat wider dynamic range than those obtained in earlier studies which utilized trained singers producing musically acceptable tones.

Adult↗