Comparison of Aerodynamic Characteristics During Reading Paragraph Tasks in Normal Male and Female Adults

Purpose: The present study was performed to compare the aerodynamic characteristics of males and females during reading paragraph task. Methods: Thirty-seven normal adult males (18-30 yrs) and thirty-nine normal adult females (18-34 yrs) were participated in this experiment. They read a part of ‘Gaeul’ paragraph with comfortable phonation, and the reading samples were recorded and analyzed by ‘Running Speech’ program of Phonatory Aerodynamic System (PAS). Results: Phonation time (with voicing) and expiratory airflow duration were significantly longer in females, but measures of inspiratory airflow duration, peak expiratory airflow, expiratory and inspiratory volumes were significantly higher in males. The difference in total duration and peak inspiratory airflow did not show statistical significance. Conclusion: Results revealed that there was a significant gender difference in aerodynamic measures of duration and airflow during the reading paragraph task. In evaluating and intervening aerodynamics of voice and voice disorder patients, we should also consider the gender-different aerodynamic characteristics in continuous speech.