In this presentation, we will explore the complex interaction between brain rhythms and phonation. Through our experimental paradigm, we investigated the neurophysiological dynamics underlying the prolonged production of a simple syllable without taking another breath. By synchronizing recordings of the electromyographic activity of respiratory muscles (scalene, external intercostal, external oblique, rectus abdominis), airflow, intraoral pressure, and EEG, we analyzed the mechanisms regulating subglottic pressure, which is crucial for phonatory activity.

We specifically focused on the neural involvement in the sequential coordination of respiratory muscles during prolonged phonation. Our findings highlight the role of delta, theta, and alpha brain rhythms, as well as their cortical and subcortical generators, in controlling this coordination. These results reveal essential mechanisms underlying the interaction between the brain and respiratory muscles during phonation.