Vocal training in an anthropometrical aspect.

OBJECTIVES: As shown in our previous paper, the dimensions of the cerebral parts of the cranium and face of the vocal students were higher than those of the non-singing students. The aim of the present study was to analyse the type of voice and its development depending on selected dimensions. METHODS: A total of 56 vocal students - 36 women and 20 men - who underwent anthropometric measurements were divided into groups according to their voice type. Two professors of singing made a subjective, independent evaluation of individual students' vocal development progress during the four years of training. The findings were analysed statistically with the current licensed versions of Statistica software. RESULTS: We found statistically significant positive correlation between: the head length, head and face width, depth of upper and middle face, nose length and student's voice development. CONCLUSIONS: The dimensions of the head and the face have no impact on type of voice; however, some anatomical characteristics may have impact on voice development.

An anthropometric analysis of the head and face in vocal students.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was an anthropometric analysis of the values of selected cranial and facial indexes in vocal students and a comparison of these values with the standards for the same ethnic and age group of non-singing students. PATIENTS AND METHODOLOGY: 56 vocal students, aged 19-26 years, were examined. Standard instruments, such as sliding and spreading callipers and soft measuring tape, were used for the examination. A set of 32 linear measurements of the head and face was provided. RESULTS: In all head measurements the obtained results were greater for the vocal students. The vocal students revealed greater values of the indexes related to face width and depth of the lower jaw. In the comparison group the indices for the middle and lower part of the face were significantly higher. CONCLUSION: Vocalists have bigger heads and mandibles than non-singers.

[Music therapy in different dental specialties]. / Muzykoterapia w róznych dziedzinach stomatologii.

INTRODUCTION: Music is generally recognized as the best and, in parallel, the simplest medium of communication. The music therapy, applied in various spheres linked to a therapeutic process, is particularly valued in rehabilitation, medicine, humanities and social sciences. Present study aimed at determination of usefulness of selected techniques of music therapy in different dental specialties. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The studies were conducted on 81 generally healthy patients aging 18 to 62 years. Various planned dental procedures were performed first time or were appraised by the patients as unpleasant ones. On the basis of pilot studies, a stable scheme of the visits was established. At the beginning of the studies, music therapy according to Kieryl was conducted. Subsequently, basing on description of Schwabe, a form of regulatory individual music therapy was conducted. Depending on psychoemotional condition of the patient, music programming was based on ISO and LEVEL principles, taking into account musical preferences of the patient and his/her age. After every visit the patients filled questionnaires and appropriate results, together with results of studies performed by the dentist, were subjected to statistical analysis. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Results of the studies encourage application of musicotherapeutic techniques in different dental specialties. 2. Dental visit can be made attractive and patient's visits in dental office can be facilitated with no significant financial input or organizational.