Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
Impaired balance and fall risk in individuals with respiratory conditions highlight the importance of respiratory-postural integration during upright activity. However, breathing and postural control are often studied separately, limiting understanding of their interaction. Singing imposes concurrent ventilatory and trunk control demands, yet respiratory-postural responses during standing singing remain unclear. We examined the effects of vocalisation and tempo on respiratory-postural responses during standing, and whether age and singing experience moderated these responses.
Methods
Eighty healthy younger (18-35 yr; n=35) and older (≥60 yr; n= 45) adults completed rhythmically paced speaking and singing tasks at slow, normal, and fast tempos while standing on a force platform. Respiratory rate (RR), mediolateral and anteroposterior sway, peripheral oxygen saturation, and perceived breathlessness were measured. Generalised estimating equations assessed vocalisation, tempo, and their interaction, with moderation by age and singing experience.
Results
RR showed a vocalisation x tempo interaction (p 2 w
as unchanged.
Conclusions
Standing singing was associated with tempo-dependent respiratory and postural responses. Age and singing experience showed distinct associations with these responses. Task-dependent respiratory-postural coordination appeared preserved among participants.