Summary
Objective
This review of the methodology and results of studies involving a sustained vowel
phonation task during functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) aims to contribute
to the identification of brain regions involved in phonation for healthy subjects.
Data sources
This review was performed using the PubMed electronic database.
Review Methods
A review was conducted, according to PRISMA guidelines, between September and November
2020, using the following search term pairs: “fMRI and Phonation” and “fMRI and Voice.”
Activation likelihood estimation analysis was performed. A qualitative analysis was
also performed to specify the frequency of activation of each region, as well as the
various activation clusters within a single region.
Results
Seven studies were included and analyzed. Five of the seven studies were selected
for the activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis which revealed significant
convergent activation for only one cluster located in the left precentral gyrus (BA4).
A qualitative review provides an overview of brain activation. Primary motor and premotor
areas were the only activated areas in all studies included. Other regions previously
considered to be implicated in phonation were often activated in sustained vowel phonation
tasks. Additionally, areas generally associated with articulation or language also
showed activation.
Conclusion
Methodological recommendations are suggested to isolate the phonatory component and
reduce variability between future studies. Based on the qualitative analysis, this
review does not support a distinction between regions more related to phonation and
regions more related to articulation. Further research is required seeking to isolate
the vocal component and to improve insight into human brain network involved in phonation.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 16, 2022
Accepted:
February 4,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2022 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
