Clinical Research Directory

Safety and Acute Effects of tDCS on Vocal Performance in Adolescent Singers

This randomized, sham-controlled proof-of-concept study aims to investigate the safety, tolerability, and acute effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on vocal performance in adolescent singers aged 12 to 16 years. Twenty-four participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to active or sham tDCS. Active stimulation will consist of 2.0 mA anodal tDCS applied for 20 minutes using 5 × 7 cm electrodes, with the anode positioned over C5 to target the left laryngeal primary motor cortex and the cathode over the right supraorbital region. Participants will perform the same standardized vocal piece before stimulation, immediately after stimulation, and approximately two hours after stimulation. Vocal performances will be audiovisually recorded and evaluated by blinded expert raters using an adapted analytical vocal-performance rubric based on Gynnild (2015). Safety and tolerability will be monitored using a structured symptom checklist and predefined stopping criteria. Self-rated vocal performance, nervousness, confidence, blinding, and protocol feasibility will also be explored.

Combined SOVT and Respiratory Exercises: Effects on MPT and Respiratory Function

This study aims to investigate the effects of combined SOVT and breathing exercises, administered twice weekly for six weeks to conservatory students, through a randomized controlled trial. The study has two hypotheses: H1: Combined SOVT and breathing exercises increase the maximum phonation duration. H2: Combined SOVT and breathing exercises improve spirometric parameters (FEV₁, FVC, FEV₁/FVC, and PEF).