Introduction:

Semi-occluded vocal tract exercises (SOVTE) are tools used in physiologic voice rehabilitation. Semi-occluded vocal tract exercises are vocal exercises produced by the semi-occlusion of the vocal tract through a series of postures that seek to lengthen and/or occlude the vocal tract, generating a change in the vibratory pattern of vocal folds, degree of vocal folds adduction, and the respiratory pattern. SOVTE can be divided, according to the type of semi-occlusion, into sustained, transient and oscillatory, as well as exercises with high and low degree of airflow resistance.

Objective:

To describe the different types of semi-occluded vocal tract exercises, the type of semi-occlusion, the type of resistance, and their effects on the vocal folds, respiratory pattern, and configuration of the vocal tract.

Methodology:

A literature review was performed in the PubMed, Medline, and Science Direct databases, using the following terms: "Semi-occluded vocal tract postures", "Semi-occluded vocal tract" and "Semi-occluded vocal tract exercises”. Boolean operators "AND" and "OR" were used to specify the search.

Results:

The benefits of these exercises positively impact aerodynamic variables, glottal function, and configuration of the vocal tract.

Conclusions:

The semi-occluded vocal tract exercises are a family of vocal exercises produced by the sustained, transitory, and oscillatory semi-occlusion of the vocal tract, through a series of postures that seek to lengthen and/or occlude the vocal tract, whose benefits positively impact on vocal folds and vocal tract.

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